Ukraine declared independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. Ukraine has struggled to develop its industry and infrastructure to support its large population. Ukraine’s economic decline has led to an increase in the number of children in its orphanages.Ukraine re-opened its doors to foreign adoption in 1997 after establishing a centralized governmental committee, the Center for Adoption, to oversee and regulate all adoptions in Ukraine.

Children Available: 14 months is the minimum age available for adoption but due to Ukraine's unique referral process, families should be open to children between the ages of 18 - 36 months. Adopting 2 children concurrently is not recommended at this time. The children reside in orphanages.

Requirements: Only married couples may adopt from Ukraine. Currently there are no specific age limitations though applicants over 50 may be approved on a case-by–case basis and should be willing to adopt a child up to 3 years old. Families with other children in the home may adopt. There are no requirements regarding length of marriage. Divorced persons may apply.

Process: Families should have an approved homestudy and U.S.C.I.S. (formerly INS) clearance. An adoption dossier, specific to Ukraine, is prepared and forwarded by World Child to Ukraine for translation and approval. There, the Ukrainian Ministry of Education’s Center of Adoption in Kiev is responsible for the legal approval of prospective parents. After approval of the dossier, (generally 3-6 months after submission) the Center invites the family to travel to Kiev to determine which child to visit. The family then travels to the orphanage where the child is presented to them. After meeting and accepting a child, the court process is started. Once the adoption is completed, the family travels back to Kiev for the child’s visa interview at the U.S. Embassy. Most trips are up to 3 weeks long. Both parents must appear at the Ukrainian court hearing, though one spouse may return home after the court process, if necessary.