The Process

    The first step toward an international adoption is the filing of an application with the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service). A successful home study by a licensed social worker must then be provided to the INS. The INS approval letter becomes one part of the dossier that is prepared to be submitted for Ukrainian approval for adoption. Because preselection of children is illegal in Ukraine, the dossier is prepared and approval is obtained prior to receiving any information on individual available children. Once your dossier is approved, you will travel to Ukraine to meet and select your child/ren in person. The average length of time from the start of the process until you travel is approximately 6 months, although it can be shorter or longer based on individual circumstances.

The Trip

   Both parents are required to travel to Ukraine to finalize an adoption. Although it is not required for both parents to remain following the court hearing, it is advised. The average length of trip is approximately 2-4 weeks. You are met in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, where all adoptions originate, by a facilitator/translator who remains with you for all adoption related functions and makes provisions for your lodging and most meals. Following Kiev, you will travel to the region to which you are referred for the selection of a child. After your adoption hearing you return to Kiev, then travel to Warsaw Poland to obtain your new child/ren's visa before traveling home.

   Requirements

• Couples or singles may adopt from Ukraine
• There is no length of marriage requirement and no restriction based on existing children
  
• Previous divorce is acceptable
  
• Due to requirements of the in-country Ukrainian facilitators that we refer prospective parents to, Father's House International is only able to provide help to Christians who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour
  
• Adoptive parents are required to maintain their adopted children's Ukrainian citizenship until the child/ren reach 18, in addition to the American citizenship they will automatically be granted as adopted children of American citizens
  
• Once a year updates on the children are required to be sent to the Ukrainian Embassy until the children reach 18 years of age
• Adoptive parents must meet or exceed 125% of the United States Department of Justice Poverty Line Guidelines to obtain a visa for their internationally adopted child.

  How To Get Started

     The above information is only intended to be a brief overview of the very detailed process of international adoption from Ukraine. If you have prayerfully considered adopting and believe it is for you or you would like more information, please feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail:

     330-499-6636  or   fathershouse@truevine.net