Russia

Get the latest news on Russia adoptions HERE

The Russia Program is currently CLOSED to new applications.

MAPS: A pioneer in Russian adoption

In 1991, MAPS became the first American agency to begin placing children from Russia - and 17 years later our Russia Adoption Program continues to offer professional, ethical and compassionate adoption services to families all over the US. We have helped hundreds of families adopt more than 1,200 Russian children. To meet some of our families and read their stories, please click here.

Foster Care Training Recently we were chosen as the first adoption agency invited to Russia to provide training to Russian adoption/foster care professionals working in the country’s new child welfare system. Because of this training, we know that the complex social, educational, medical and emotional needs of the children will now be better met. Click here to read about this exciting new initiative that is helping improve the lives of children in foster care and orphanages in Russia.

The children

Although typically Caucasian, the children can be of varied ethnic heritages. Ages generally range from 18 months to school-age, making this is a great program for families interested in either younger or older children. See “At a Glance” below for details.

A caring team at home and overseas

Our trusted, professional US/Russia team wraps around families to provide smooth, ethical, caring adoptions. Our staff monitors the continuously changing process in Russia, ensuring that our families' dossiers are in compliance with the latest requirements and regulations. Stacey Dudley is our US-based program coordinator and will assist you throughout your adoption. You’ll also be well taken care of by our bilingual Russia team, which includes Valentina, the head of our Moscow-based office, and our regional staff members, translators, and drivers who are available for families during their stay. We look forward to guiding you with our expertise, and sharing with you the joy of adopting from Russia.

A strong humanitarian aid presence

We know that giving back is important to our adoptive families. Our commitment to the children who remain in Russia’s orphanages and foster homes is reflected in our worldwide humanitarian aid programs. In addition to our new child welfare training, we are funding orphanage improvements, sponsorships for teens leaving orphanage care for further education, and our special Murmansk nanny project.

At A Glance

Parent Requirements: No more than 45 years between younger parent and child; some flexibility for older children. Single women accepted.

Children: Infants (usually 10-18 months at time of referral), toddlers through school age, and sibling groups; minor correctable health problems/orphanage delay with potential for normal life in a family. Gender requests: childless families may request a boy, or a girl over 5 and/or with special needs; families with a boy may request a girl under age 5 if willing to wait at least 12 months for child offer.

Waiting Time: Waiting times vary according to child request. Please see full info packet (click above for PDF) for detailed information.

Travel: Two trips required for both parents. First trip of approximately 1 week occurs 4-6 weeks after invitation from Russia. Second trip of 2-3 1/2 weeks is 6-8 weeks after dossier is sent to Russia. If 3 trips: court trip will be approx 5-8 days, 3rd trip will be approx 7-10 days. Travel expenses: $7,000-$10,000 plus flights.

Your MAPS Russia Adoption Staff

Libby Walch, BS, has been part of our international adoption team since 1997. Currently working with families adopting from Kazakhstan, Libby has also worked in our China, Ukraine, and Russia programs. In addition, she is the Performance and Quality Improvement coordinator for MAPS.
E-mail: libbyw@maps-worldwide.org
Phone: (207) 775-4101

For a complete information packet about our services, our adoption programs (domestic and international), and the adoption process, please complete the form below.

Adoption Information Request Form
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