Ukraine Adoption


Notice: Ukraine has closed adoption to families requesting young children, due to non-compliance with post placement report requirements. Older children are still available for referral. ICF is largely working with Ukraine through hosting programs. Please contact us for current information about the status of Ukraine adoption and upcoming hosting programs.

Ukraine has gained greatly in popularity for adoption over the past five years. Unlike Russia, the dossier is less onerous and the adoption process itself is centralized and relatively predictable.

Relinquished children are placed on a databank for one year before becoming eligible for international adoption and placement. Children as young as 18 months may be presented as referrals but, realistically, Ukraine is not a country of choice for families who desire a child under 12 months.

There are risks associated with adopting from Eastern Europe. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (which includes FAS and FAE), is a statistical possibility. Women in both Ukraine and Russia are oriented toward social drinking.

Many medical conditions are subtle or impossible to detect at an early age. FASD can present discernable growth and facial abnormalities that are measurable when a child is a toddler, but in many instances, learning issues may not present until the child is school-age.

Families are accompanied while traveling to meet their child and medical professionals are available to assist with evaluation of the medical profile and the child's development. Laboratory tests may be requested. We do encourage families to consult with a US international pediatrician, while making their decision.

If the family finds the child an unsuitable match for medical reasons, the family may then make another request in Kiev for a new referral. This generally does not take more than a few days, as our facilitators are very proficient at representing families.

Ukraine is a progressive Eastern European country. Families stay in apartments with in-country, which provides more privacy at less expense. The law in Ukraine allows for a 30 day wait to be imposed after a court date, but this law is frequently waived. If the 30 day wait is imposed, then the family may fly home and return to Kiev in 3-4 weeks.

Families up to age 50 may adopt a child as young as possible. Families receive information about their referral at the NAC in Kiev.

If a family wishes to adopt two children, two complete dossiers must be presented. We recommend that families request two children only if they want older children.

The timeframe for a Ukraine adoption is about six to eight months after the dossier is presented. Notification to travel to Kiev is approximately one to three months after the dossier is submitted, with the date being about another one to three months in the future. Overall, the Ukraine adoption process is comparatively quick. Please contact us for complete fee and program information!