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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Ukraine"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/up-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Ukraine.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/up-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/up-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Ukraine.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/up-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/up_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Ukraine.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/up_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Lesser_Coat_of_Arms_of_Ukraine.svg/330px-Lesser_Coat_of_Arms_of_Ukraine.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms or Ukraine.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Lesser_Coat_of_Arms_of_Ukraine.svg/330px-Lesser_Coat_of_Arms_of_Ukraine.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/%D0%A1%D0%B2%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%B0_%D0%A1%D0%BE%D1%84%D1%96%D1%8F_%D0%9A%D0%B8%D1%97%D0%B2%D1%81%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%B0.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''St. Sophia Cathedral, Kiev'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/%D0%A1%D0%B2%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%B0_%D0%A1%D0%BE%D1%84%D1%96%D1%8F_%D0%9A%D0%B8%D1%97%D0%B2%D1%81%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%B0.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''St. Sophia Cathedral, Kiev, Ukraine.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Monasterio_de_San_Migueel.jpg/800px-Monasterio_de_San_Migueel.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kiev'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Monasterio_de_San_Migueel.jpg/800px-Monasterio_de_San_Migueel.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kiev, an example of Ukrainian architecture.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/%D0%A1%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0_%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%86%D1%8F.jpg/800px-%D0%A1%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0_%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%86%D1%8F.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle at night'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/%D0%A1%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0_%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%86%D1%8F.jpg/800px-%D0%A1%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0_%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%86%D1%8F.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle at night in Ukraine.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8389776320_9956fb56cc.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Kindergarden children'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8389776320_9956fb56cc.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Kindergarden children in Ukraine.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Golden-gate-2008.jpg/800px-Golden-gate-2008.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Golden Gate in Kyiv'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Golden-gate-2008.jpg/800px-Golden-gate-2008.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Golden Gate in Kyiv, Ukraine.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Kharkov002.jpg/345px-Kharkov002.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Annunciation Cathedral is one of the tallest Orthodox churches in the world.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Kharkov002.jpg/345px-Kharkov002.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Annunciation Cathedral is one of the tallest Orthodox churches in the world.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/Chernobylpowerplantradioactivity.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Image of Chernobyl nuclear power plant, including Geiger counter reading of present radioactive level showing 0.763 milliroentgens per hour, Ukraine.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/Chernobylpowerplantradioactivity.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Image of Chernobyl nuclear power plant, including Geiger counter reading of present radioactive level showing 0.763 milliroentgens per hour'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8133/8701945271_097816bac7.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Girl wearing traditional Ukrainian dress.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8133/8701945271_097816bac7.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Girl wearing traditional Ukrainian dress.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
  
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=Ukraine Adoption Alert=
+
'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
−
<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Update on the Status of Intercountry Adoptions from Ukraine (March 11, 2014)'''
+
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.
  
−
The Department of State is not currently aware of delays in the intercountry adoption process in Ukraine following former President Yanukovych’s February 22 departure from Kyiv and the Ukrainian Parliament’s establishment of a new government on February 27. The Department has received information from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that it remains open and that delays are not currently expected in the issuance of Ukrainian passports to [[adopted]] children beyond the normal 10 day processing timeline.
 
  
 +
=About Ukraine=
  
−
The U.S. Embassy remains open and is providing full consular services including issuance of immigrant visas to [[adopted]] children. Consular officers at the U.S. Embassy are actively engaged and in direct communication with those [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who may be affected by the current situation.  
+
[[Ukraine]] was the center of the first eastern Slavic state, Kyivan Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest and most powerful state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels and Mongol invasions, Kyivan Rus was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of [[Lithuania]] and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. To learn more please read [[About Ukraine (The Country)]].
  
 +
To learn in depth facts about [[Ukraine]] please read the [[Ukraine Travel Fact Sheet]].
  
−
U.S. families in Ukraine completing an intercountry adoption are encouraged to communicate directly with the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv at KyivAdoptions@state.gov. Additional questions regarding intercountry adoption may also be directed to the Office of Children’s Issues at AskCI@state.gov. For more information regarding the current situation in Ukraine and the latest travel warning please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at travel.state.gov.
+
=National Anthem=
 +
National Anthem of [[Ukraine]]
 +
Lyrics by Paul Chubynskyi
 +
Music by Mikhail Verbytskyi
 +
UKRAINIAN LYRICS
  
 +
Shche ne vmerla Ukraini, ny slava, ny volja,
 +
Shche nam, brattja - ukraincy, usmyzhnetjsja dolja,
 +
Zginutj nashi voryzhenjki, jak rosa na soncy,
 +
Zazhivemo y mi, brattja, u svoij storoncy.
  
 +
CHORUS:
 +
Dushu j tylo mi polozhim za nashu svobodu
 +
Y pokazhem, shcho mi, brattja, kozacjkogo rodu.
 +
Dushu j tylo mi polozhim za nashu svobodu
 +
Y pokazhem, shcho mi, brattja, kozacjkogo rodu.
  
 +
---
  
−
<span style="color:red">'''Alert: SDA resumes processing adoptions in Ukraine (July 14, 2011)'''
+
UKRAINIAN LYRICS (Cyrillic script)
  
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On July 14, 2011, the presidential order which extends the State Department on Adoption’s (SDA’s) authority to process adoptions was published in Ukraine. We have been informed by the SDA that they have resumed processing adoption applications. As described in a previous alert, the SDA will have the authority to continue processing adoptions until the Ministry of Social policy is ready to take over as the new adoption authority in Ukraine. The Ministry does not yet know when they will be prepared to take over adoption processing.
+
---
  
 +
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
  
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The SDA also informed the embassy that the new amendment to the Family Code is now in effect. This requires orphans to be registered on the central adoption registry for one year and to be at least five years old before they are eligible for intercountry adoption. The amendment exempts children with certain [[Special Needs|special needs]], [[Relative Adoptions|relative adoptions]], and sibling adoptions. Please note that the Ukrainian government is in the process of updating the definition of [[Special Needs|special needs]], a process which by law should be completed by October 11, 2011.  
+
[[Ukraine]]'s glory hasn't perished, nor her freedom
 +
Upon us, fellow compatriots, fate shall smile once more.  
 +
Our enemies will vanish, like dew in the morning sun,
 +
And we too shall rule, brothers, in a free land of our own.  
  
  
−
We will continue to encourage the Ministry of Social Policy to protect adoptions where U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] have already been approved by the SDA to [[adopt]] a particular child. We will also be following new developments closely to understand how they will affect the families currently in process and will be posting relevant updates.
+
CHORUS
 +
We'll lay down our souls and bodies to attain our freedom,
 +
And we'll show that we, brothers, are of the Kozak nation.  
 +
We'll lay down our souls and bodies to attain our freedom,
 +
And we'll show that we, brothers, are of the Kozak nation.
 +
Credits: National Anthems Reference Page
 +
 
 +
=Ukraine Adoption Alert=
 +
 
 +
There have been multiple [[adoption]] alerts for [[Ukraine]]. To learn about these please read the [[Ukraine Adoption Alert]] page.
 +
 
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
−
Ukraine is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention  ). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Ukraine did not change.  
+
[[Ukraine]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ( Hague [[Adoption]] Convention  ). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Ukraine]] did not change.  
  
  
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According to a resolution that came into effect on December 1, 2008, the Ukrainian Adoption Authority, the SDAPRC, will now have the right to refuse to register your [[dossier]] if, at the time of the [[dossier]]'s submission to the SDAPRC, the central database of Ukrainian children available for intercountry adoptions will not contain any children complying with the recommendation in your home study. Given the statistics published by the SDAPRC and available on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv at: http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/amcit_adoptions_notice_0119_eng.html, there are currently no healthy children (or children with minor, correctable health problems) under three and very few under six years old. Therefore, if you are recommended for a healthy child or a child with minor/correctable health problems under six years of age, the SDAPRC is very likely to refuse even to accept and register your [[dossier]].  
+
According to a resolution that came into effect on December 1, 2008, the Ukrainian [[Adoption]] Authority, the SDAPRC, will now have the right to refuse to register your [[dossier]] if, at the time of the [[dossier]]'s submission to the SDAPRC, the central database of Ukrainian children available for intercountry adoptions will not contain any children complying with the recommendation in your [[Home Study|home study]]. Given the statistics published by the SDAPRC and available on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv at: http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/amcit_adoptions_notice_0119_eng.html, there are currently no healthy children (or children with minor, correctable health problems) under three and very few under six years old. Therefore, if you are recommended for a healthy child or a child with minor/correctable health problems under six years of age, the SDAPRC is very likely to refuse even to accept and register your [[dossier]].  
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Ukraine, you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. government. The U.S. government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn more.
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from [[Ukraine]], you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. government. The U.S. government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Ukraine]].
  
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Ukraine also has the following requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
+
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Residency==
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[[Ukraine]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in [[Ukraine]] unless he or she meets these requirements, and is listed on the database of adoptable children available for intercountry adoptions maintained by the central [[adoption]] authority in [[Ukraine]], the SDAPRC,
  
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There are no residency requirements for intercountry adoption from Ukraine.
 
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her home back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.
  
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Under a Ukrainian law which came into effect on April 24, 2008, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least 21 years old, and at least 15 years older, but not more than 45 years older than the [[adopted]] child. If only one of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] complies with these age requirements, the adoption can be completed in the eligible parent's name only. If the child is being [[adopted]] by a relative, the age difference is not considered.
+
=How to Adopt=
  
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==Marriage==
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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Foreign citizens must be married in order to be eligible to [[adopt]] from Ukraine.
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'''[[Ukraine]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
State Department for Adoptions and Protection of Rights of the Child (SDAPRC)
  
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==Income==
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==The Process==
  
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While there are no specified income requirements, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are required to submit documentation identifying their income/financial standing.
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The process for adopting a child from [[Ukraine]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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==Other==
 
  
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Please also see the section listing the documents required for an adoption from Ukraine. Note also the new homestudy requirements as of December 1, 2008, listed in that section.
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
 +
# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
 +
# Be Matched with a Child
 +
# [[Adopt]] the Child in COUNTRY
 +
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
 +
# Bringing Your Child Home
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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To learn more please read about [[How to Adopt from Ukraine]].
  
  
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=How to Adopt=
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
 +
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Ukraine]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Ukraine]].
  
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==The Process==
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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=After Adoption=
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Ukraine. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.  
+
Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
  
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Ukraine, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
 
  
 +
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
+
[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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=Contact Information=
  
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Ukraine, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
+
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Ukraine]]'''
 +
 +
U.S. Embassy
 +
6 Pymonenko Street
 +
Kyiv, [[Ukraine]]
 +
Tel: 380-44-490-4422
 +
Fax: 380-44-490-4040
 +
Email: kyivadoptions@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://kyiv.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Ukraine]
 +
  
−
=After Adoption=
+
'''[[Ukraine]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
State Department for Adoptions and Protection of Rights of the Child (SDAPRC)
 +
14 Desyatynna Street
 +
Kyiv, [[Ukraine]] 01025
 +
Tel: (380)(44) 278-4045
 +
Fax: (380)(44) 278-4045
  
−
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
 
  
−
Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
+
'''Embassy of [[Ukraine]]'''
 +
 +
Embassy of [[Ukraine]]  
 +
3350 M Street, N.W.
 +
[[Washington]], D.C. 20007
 +
Tel: 202 333 0606
 +
Fax: 202 333 0817 
 +
Internet: [http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/ Embassy of Ukraine]
  
  
−
Here are some good places to start your support group search:
+
[[Ukraine]] also has consulates general in Chicago ( www.ukrchicago.com), [[New York]] ( www.ukrconsul.org) and San Francisco ( www.UkraineSF.com).
  
  
−
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
+
'''Office of Children's Issues'''
  
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]  
+
U.S. Department of State 
 +
CA/OCS/CI 
 +
SA-17, 9th Floor
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
 +
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
 +
E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
−
[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
 
  
 +
'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
 +
 +
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
  
 +
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
−
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=ukraine
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 03:04, 24 February 2018

The official flag
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms
Source: Wikipedia.org.

St. Sophia Cathedral, Kiev
Source: Wikipedia.org.

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kiev
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle at night
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Kindergarden children
Source: flickr.com.

The Golden Gate in Kyiv
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Annunciation Cathedral is one of the tallest Orthodox churches in the world.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Image of Chernobyl nuclear power plant, including Geiger counter reading of present radioactive level showing 0.763 milliroentgens per hour
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Girl wearing traditional Ukrainian dress.
Source: flickr.com.


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.


About Ukraine

Ukraine was the center of the first eastern Slavic state, Kyivan Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest and most powerful state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels and Mongol invasions, Kyivan Rus was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. To learn more please read About Ukraine (The Country).

To learn in depth facts about Ukraine please read the Ukraine Travel Fact Sheet.

National Anthem

National Anthem of Ukraine Lyrics by Paul Chubynskyi Music by Mikhail Verbytskyi UKRAINIAN LYRICS

Shche ne vmerla Ukraini, ny slava, ny volja, Shche nam, brattja - ukraincy, usmyzhnetjsja dolja, Zginutj nashi voryzhenjki, jak rosa na soncy, Zazhivemo y mi, brattja, u svoij storoncy.

CHORUS: Dushu j tylo mi polozhim za nashu svobodu Y pokazhem, shcho mi, brattja, kozacjkogo rodu. Dushu j tylo mi polozhim za nashu svobodu Y pokazhem, shcho mi, brattja, kozacjkogo rodu.

---

UKRAINIAN LYRICS (Cyrillic script)

---

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Ukraine's glory hasn't perished, nor her freedom Upon us, fellow compatriots, fate shall smile once more. Our enemies will vanish, like dew in the morning sun, And we too shall rule, brothers, in a free land of our own.


CHORUS We'll lay down our souls and bodies to attain our freedom, And we'll show that we, brothers, are of the Kozak nation. We'll lay down our souls and bodies to attain our freedom, And we'll show that we, brothers, are of the Kozak nation. Credits: National Anthems Reference Page

Ukraine Adoption Alert

There have been multiple adoption alerts for Ukraine. To learn about these please read the Ukraine Adoption Alert page.


Hague Convention Information

Ukraine is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention ). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Ukraine did not change.


According to a resolution that came into effect on December 1, 2008, the Ukrainian Adoption Authority, the SDAPRC, will now have the right to refuse to register your dossier if, at the time of the dossier's submission to the SDAPRC, the central database of Ukrainian children available for intercountry adoptions will not contain any children complying with the recommendation in your home study. Given the statistics published by the SDAPRC and available on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv at: http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/amcit_adoptions_notice_0119_eng.html, there are currently no healthy children (or children with minor, correctable health problems) under three and very few under six years old. Therefore, if you are recommended for a healthy child or a child with minor/correctable health problems under six years of age, the SDAPRC is very likely to refuse even to accept and register your dossier.

Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Ukraine, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. government. The U.S. government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Ukraine.


Who Can Be Adopted

Ukraine has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Ukraine unless he or she meets these requirements, and is listed on the database of adoptable children available for intercountry adoptions maintained by the central adoption authority in Ukraine, the SDAPRC,


In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her home back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Ukraine's Adoption Authority

State Department for Adoptions and Protection of Rights of the Child (SDAPRC)

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Ukraine generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Adopt the Child in COUNTRY
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bringing Your Child Home

To learn more please read about How to Adopt from Ukraine.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Ukraine. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Ukraine.


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Ukraine

U.S. Embassy 6 Pymonenko Street Kyiv, Ukraine Tel: 380-44-490-4422 Fax: 380-44-490-4040 Email: kyivadoptions@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Ukraine


Ukraine's Adoption Authority

State Department for Adoptions and Protection of Rights of the Child (SDAPRC) 14 Desyatynna Street Kyiv, Ukraine 01025 Tel: (380)(44) 278-4045 Fax: (380)(44) 278-4045


Embassy of Ukraine

Embassy of Ukraine 3350 M Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 Tel: 202 333 0606 Fax: 202 333 0817 Internet: Embassy of Ukraine


Ukraine also has consulates general in Chicago ( www.ukrchicago.com), New York ( www.ukrconsul.org) and San Francisco ( www.UkraineSF.com).


Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)

1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)

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=ukraine