You will find that the costs of adopting from Russia are higher than all of our other programs, but in many ways, this program can be more predictable and reliable. Children of all ages are available, but for parents willing to adopt older children or children with medical special needs, we are able to reduce the costs dramatically. There are many older children in Russia for whom we have good medical and developmental information, who need the love and nurture of Christian parents instead of a lifetime in a government institution. You can make an eternal difference in the life of one of these children. Of course, the babies need homes too! So we leave the choice to you and are simply thrilled every time we find a home for a child without one.
1. VCI provides guidance and assistance in preparing documents required by all US and foreign government agencies.
2. We provide regular communication so you will know as much as possible about your child and progress toward the adoption.
3. We furnish you with all documents and information available for your child, including all available medical information. Depending on the directors of the orphanage where the child is living, you will either receive a detailed medical report when you receive your referral, or you will get a general health report by phone and then accompany the child to an appointment with a qualified Western-trained physician while you are in Russia
for your first trip.
4. We provide English translations of foreign documents and translation of your dossier into the language required for submission to the foreign government.
5. In Russia, on both of your trips, you will be met at the airport by an English speaking escort who will serve as your adoption advisor and guide from the moment you arrive, through the succesful completion of the adoption and your departure for home.
6. We provide extensive travel information to help you prepare for your adoption trip. We help you arrange your transportation to and from Russia. Your escort will also arrange all of your travel in-country, but your adoption fees do not include these in-country expenses..
7. We help you finalize the adoption and obtain your child's visa for entry into the US.
Location and Care of Children
The children come from several excellent orphanages in St. Petersburg, Russia
Good orphanage care and medical care
Good medical testing and information
Children Available
Age 8 months - 12 years at adoption
Both sexes
Healthy or with special needs
Sibling groups
Multiple adoptions OK
Eligibility
Christian couples and single women
Youngest parent must be no more than 47 years older than child to be adopted
At least one parent must be a US citizen.
Time Frame
From Dossier submission to Referral - 1 week (boys); 1-8 months (girls)
From Referral to First Trip - 3-6 weeks
Cost
Total Agency Fees to adopt an infant - $24,100
Additional expenses for travel and document processing
Fee reductions for older children and special needs children
Procedure
Send Application to VCI
Begin Homestudy
File BCIS Form I-600A
Prepare and submit dossier to VCI
Receive referral of a child from VCI
Wait for travel invitation (3-6 weeks)
Travel to St. Petersburg to meet your child and to apply for adoption, then return home
Second trip to Russia to finalize the adoption and obtain YOUR child's visa, then HOME!
Travel
Two trips required: Travel time -- first trip - 6 days; second trip - 7 days
Both parents must travel on second trip
