The country of Ukraine spans 603,700 square kilometers in Eastern Europe, partially bordering the Black Sea. It is described as a flat, fertile, forested plain with few natural boundaries. (1) Ukraine has been struck with great economic and social hardships as a result of its connection and subsequent separation from the USSR. Poverty and depression abound, and alcoholism is rampant as a result. (2)
Most of my readers who know me personally have viewed the original video about Anna, the young lady who inspired my platform, followed by her exciting update a few weeks later. While researching for the video, I read that there are approximately 100,000 orphans living in Ukraine's 450 orphanages, with 100,000 more orphans living on the street. Because of the lack of space, children cannot live in or receive care from the orphanages after they turn sixteen. Out of the many "graduated" orphans, it is believed that 60 percent of the girls end up in prostitution and 70 percent of the boys end up in crime. Fifteen percent of "graduated" orphans commit suicide to escape life on the streets, and only 1 percent graduate college.
While not part of the Hague Convention, Ukraine currently remains open to Americans wanting to adopt (although rumors abound that Russia is pressuring Ukraine to close). United States citizens must be found eligible by the American government to adopt. Under Ukrainian law that came into effect April 24, 2008, adoptive parents must be at least 21 year old, and at least 15 years older than the adopted child (but no more than 45 years older). Only married couples are eligible to adopt, and, while no specific income level is required, adoptive parents are required to submit documentation of their income and financial standing. (3)
Ukrainian law requires children to be registered with the national adoption registry for at least one year and be at least five years old before they are eligible for international adoption. Exceptions may be made for children with special needs, sibling groups, or relative adoptions. (4)
The duration of Ukraine adoptions from completion of the dossier to travel is approximately 7-12 months. Some regions of Ukraine require one trip of 4-6 weeks, others require two trips of shorter duration.
Could your child or children be waiting in Ukraine? To contact multiple adoption agencies placing children from Ukraine with one form, visit Rainbow Kids.
Disclaimer: Information is gathered from various sources, including adoption blogs, government websites, and adoption agencies. Policies may change in accordance with time of adoption, adoption agencies/ orphanges, and other factors. It is the responsibility of potential adoptive parents to gather accurate information before and during preparation for adoption.
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