In Russia, in 2005, there was relentless media coverage about the deaths of two children adopted into US homes, at the hands of their adoptive mothers. Both incidents were horrific examples of child abuse and called into question both the merits of the families that adopted the children as well as the merits of international placement in general.

In addition, Russia is experiencing a declining birth rate, as is Ukraine. The drop in population has charged futher political debate about whether Russian children should be placed outside their county. Several regions have initiated aggressive foster and domestic adoption programs.

Another consideration that has diminished US adoption from Russia is the spectre of adopting a child with fetal alcohol syndrome. From a study conducted by Dr. Laurie Miller and Dr. Claire Coles, published February 2006:

"Alcohol use in Russia is among the highest in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Yet the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) among Russian children is not well known. In the March issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, researchers closely examine a small number of children living in Russian "Baby Homes" for features that might indicate prenatal alcohol exposure. More than half of the Baby-Home residents were found to have features consistent with a diagnosis of FASD."

Over the past five years, 24,931 Russian orphans have been adopted by US families. The percentage of families who have children with FAS diagnoses is unknown. It is often very difficult to diagnose behavior issues among young children, as there are many kinds of learning disorders that can arise from institutionalization, as well as from FAS. We recommend that you read Dr. Boris Gindis' website, www.bgcenter.com, for a thorough discussion of learning disorders. Sometimes children with multiple ear infections may become partially deaf and thus be delayed; other children may have sensory deficits from understimulation.

In any case, families need to be aware of the risks associated with Eastern European adoption. It is in the best interest of the child that families be prepared for extra challenges.

Russia will refer infants under the age of 12 months to married couples with one parent under age 50, providing there are no serious medical conditions that might compromise longevity. Single women are also permitted to adopt.

Children are "released" for consideration for Russian adoption around eight months old; there is a specific time frame in place, but not all children enter the orphanage immediately after birth. Hence, the "data bank" is not always predictable.

Most children are Caucasian. Some are Gypsy or Asian or Eurasian. It is possible to request a boy or girl, or siblings. The waiting time for a referral for a child under age 12 months, is between 3 and 10 months; less for boys, more for girls. Prospective parents receive a moderate amount of medical and social information. However, the information is not always complete or reliable; thus, we recommend families consult with an international pediatrician.

ICF is committed to education, training, research and humanitarian aid. Families can rely on us to be honest and impartial. There is no health guarantee for any child, of course, but it is in the best interest of the child to ensure that the adoptive family is as prepared as possible for any contingency.

Russian adoption has a vast pool of reference families who have made the journey and love to share their stories. Like China, Russian adoption has a large number of families and advocates who form a congenial support group for new families in process.

Contact us for more program information.