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Adopting from Russia
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.
The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
Contents
About Russia
Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy, was able to emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th centuries) and to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding principalities. In the early 17th century, a new ROMANOV Dynasty continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific. Under PETER I (ruled 1682-1725), hegemony was extended to the Baltic Sea and the country was renamed the Russian Empire. To learn more please read About Russia.
National Anthem
Anthem of the Russian Federation (Translation from Pravda Online) Music by Aleksandr Aleksandrov, 1944 Lyrics by Sergei Mikhalkov, 2000
Russia, our holy country! Russia, our beloved country! A mighty will, a great glory, Are your inheritance for all time!
Refrain: Be glorious, our free Fatherland! Eternal union of fraternal peoples, Common wisdom given by our forebears, Be glorious, our country! We are proud of you!
From the southern seas to the polar region spread our forests and fields. You are unique in the world, inimitable, Native land protected by God!
(Repeat refrain)
Wide spaces for dreams and for living Are opened for us by the coming years Faithfulness to our country gives us strength Thus it was, so it is and always will be!
(Repeat refrain)
Russia Adoption Alert
There have been numerous adoption alerts for Russia over the years. To learn more please read the Russia Adoption Alert page.
Hague Convention Information
Russia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
Russian Federal law No 272-FZ remains in place banning the adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens.
This law entered into force on January 1, 2013. It bans the adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens, bars adoption service providers from assisting U.S. citizens in adopting Russian children, and required termination of the 2012 U.S.-Russia Adoption Agreement. The Russian Supreme Court issued a letter to city and regional courts on January 22, 2013 explaining the implementation of Federal Law No. 272-FZ. The letter states that only in those adoption cases in which court decisions involving U.S. citizen parents were made before January 1, 2013, (including those that entered into force after January 1, 2013 following the 30-day waiting period), may the children be transferred to the custody of their adoptive parents. The U.S.-Russia Adoption Agreement was terminated on January 1, 2014.
Additionally, on July 2, 2013 Russian Federal Law No. 167-FZ entered into force banning the adoption, custody, or patronage of children by same-sex couples and also to singles living in countries where same-sex marriage is allowed.
AFTER ADOPTION
The Government of Russia requires children adopted from Russia to be registered with either the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) before they leave Russia or with the Russian Embassy or Consulate once they return to the United States.
Russia requires post-adoption reports to provide information regarding the welfare of children adopted by U.S. families. The initial post-placement report is due six months after the court decision granting adoption goes into effect. The second report is due six months after the first report but no later than 12 months after the court decision. The third report is due at 24 months and the fourth at 36 months. Reports should be prepared in accordance with the requirements established by the Russian government and as agreed to during the adoption process. All reports should be translated into Russian. Reports may be submitted either to the Ministry of Education and Science at the address included below or to the regional authorities where the adoption was completed.
Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation
Department of State Policy for the Protection of Children’s Rights 51 Lysinovskaya St. Moscow, 115998
We strongly urge you to comply with Russia’s post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to the history of positive experiences with American parents.
Contact Information
U.S. Embassy in Russia
21 Novinsky Blvd. Moscow, Russia 123242 Tel: 728-5000 switchboard 728-5567 (orphan visas) Fax: 728-5247 (orphans only) Internet: U.S. Embassy in Russia
Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation Department of State Policy for the Protection of Children’s Right 51 Lysinovskaya St. Moscow, 115998
Embassy of the Russian Federation
2650 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 Tel: 202-298-5700 Fax: 202-298-5735 Internet: Embassy of the Russian Federation
Russia also has consulates in: San Francisco, New York, and Seattle
Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI, SA-17A, 9th Floor Washington, D.C. 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 Email: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about immigration procedures: USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: USCIS
For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition:
USCIS National Benefits Center
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov
SOURCE
Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=russia