Since 1923, The Cradle has been regarded as one of the country's ...

Since 1923, The Cradle has been regarded as one of the country'sforemost adoption agencies. Over the years, we have placed morethan 14,000 children into permanent, loving homes. The Cradle isalso one of a limited number of US agencies awarded accreditation bythe Russian government to directly perform adoptions from theRussian Federation. We work with orphanages in many regions ofRussia. Our experienced team of international adoption counselorsand our Moscow staff will guide you through every step of youradoption journey. We approach each adoption with integrity,compassion and enthusiasm, because we believe every childdeserves a family to call their own.The ChildrenChildren available for adoption from Russia include boys and girls ages 9 months and older. Siblinggroups and older children are also available. Adoption fees are reduced for older children and those withnon-correctable medical conditions.Our “Cradle Cares” humanitarian aid program helps to support the orphanages that provide care tochildren remaining in Russia.Parent RequirementsProspective parents should be between theages of 25-55, and 25-45 for single women;age requirements may vary by region. Familieswith other children in the home are acceptable.Married couples must have been married for atleast one year. All applicants will be evaluatedon their physical and mental capacity to parent.The ProcessAs with all international adoptions, an approvedhome study, clearance from the U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (US CIS)and the completion of a foreign dossier are required. The Cradle provides home study preparation forfamilies in the greater Chicago area. The dossier, which consists of various documents, certificates,verifications, and petitions to Russian Ministries, is a requirement in international adoption. Your personalCradle adoption counselor will assist you in getting these items completed.After your dossier is submitted, the next step is a referral of a specific child from Russia, including photosand some medical information about that child. While our Russian staff will give you as much informationas possible about the child being referred to you, The Cradle recommends that adoptive parents havetheir referrals evaluated by an experienced pediatrician prior to acceptance.2049 Ridge Avenue www.cradle.orgEvanston, Illinois 60201Email: CradleRussia@cradle.orgCradle offices also in Barrington & www.adoptionlearningpartners.orgOak Brook Terrace

TravelTwo trips to Russia are usually required of adoptive families. Activities duringboth trips in Russia will be guided by our Russian staff members who areexperienced in the adoption process. They will greet you upon arrival, take careof travel details and lodging, and assist you in every way that they can. They willmake the arrangements necessary for translations, visiting the orphanage,scheduling court hearings, and obtaining the paperwork needed to completeyour adoption.The first trip occurs within a few weeks after your acceptance of the referredchild presented to you. During this first trip, you will travel to the orphanage andvisit with the child. If you wish to move forward with adopting the child, you willthen need to make a second trip to Russia between one to three months later inorder to legally finalize the adoption. Because an appearance before the court isrequired to finalize the adoption, both parents are required to travel.While timeframes for adoption vary greatly, you should expect to waitsignificantly longer for a girl.Learn MoreFor more information about our Russia program, please call (847) 475-5800 andask to speak with Marc Arneson, our adoptive parent intake coordinator. Youmay also feel free to email us at CradleRussia@cradle.org.Reading SuggestionsAdopting in Russia: Your Rights and the Lawby Irina Mikhailovna O’RearAre Those Kids Yours?by Cheri RegisterAdopting After Infertilityby Patricia Irwin JohnstonAdopting on Your Own: The Complete Guideto Adopting for Single Parentsby Lee VaronAdopting a Toddler: What Size ShoesDoes She Wear?by Denise H. HoppenhauerWebsite: Children of Eastern EuropeanRegionswww.cheerchicago.orgWebsite: Adoptions from Russia: RussianAdoption Medical Serviceswww.russianadoption.orgRussia Adoption Quick Reference GuideThe ChildrenAge9 months and olderParent RequirementsAge Under 55,Under 45 for singlewomenMarriageAt least one yearEstimated Process TimelineFrom dossier to child referral 3-12 monthsFrom child referral to2-4 monthsplacementTravel2 trips, 10-15 daysCostsRussian Application $500Cradle Home Study $3,500Agency Program Fee $4,000Dossier Fee $600*Foreign Fee $18,000**Total Fixed Costs $26,600* Illinois families only. The fee is $300 for out-of-state families.** $5,000 of “Foreign Fee” due at time of dossier submission. Balance due at acceptance of referral, prior to travel. Fee includes all costs forservices in Russia (i.e., legal, court processing and government registration fees; orphanage donation; interpreters and translations; support ofThe Cradle’s Moscow staff to arrange your trips and process adoption paperwork; post-placement translations and filing, etc.), except as notedabove. This fee may be reduced for an older child (reduction confirmed at time of referral). The foreign fee is due at acceptance of referral. Feeincludes travel in Russia (ground and air, if necessary) and hotels in regions. Some fees are refundable if an adoption is not completed.*** Other expenses include: air transportation to and from Russia, US CIS fee, Moscow hotel stay, meals, parents’ and child’s visa, andmedical exam.