Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Russian Intercountry Adoption Update

Below is an important update from The Joint Council on International Children's Services (www.jointcouncil.org) regarding adoptions from Russia.
 
 
Over the last week there have been various news reports that Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to suspend adoptions to the United States until the previously signed bi-lateral agreement between the United States and Russia is ratified by the Russian Duma. However, it is Joint Council’s understanding there are currently no plans for a country-wide suspension of adoptions to the United States.  No US or Russian officials have confirmed the recent media coverage.  Further, adoption can only be officially suspended by order of the Russian president or State Duma.  There have been very isolated reports of some regions and/or judges temporarily suspending adoptions until the bi-lateral agreement is ratified by the Duma.  These reports are limited and unconfirmed at this time.
 
Joint Council remains optimistic that the Duma will ratify the Bilateral Agreement in the spring, following the national elections. Prospective adoptive parents should consult with their adoption services provider regarding any in-process adoptions.  Joint Council is working to achieve a clear understanding of the situation and will publish appropriate and confirmed information as it is available. 

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rec a conference call with 18 other adoptive parents from agency stating all russian adoptions to the us are stopped. no other recourse availabe. telephone call was today, feb. 16, 2012. Is this true.

The Vulnerable Children's Ministry said...

No. I've been told that there are some areas of Russia that have suspended adoptions, but they have not been suspended across the board. You can keep up to date by visiting the Joint Council web site.