Russia's population of 142.9 million (2006) is in decline. Lower birth rates and higher death rates have reduced Russia's population at a nearly 0.5% annual rate since the early 1990s. Russia is one of few countries with a declining population (although birth rates in many developed countries have dropped below the long-term population replacement). Population decline is particularly drastic in Russia due to higher death rates, especially among working-age males. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, traffic injuries, suicide, alcohol poisoning, and violence are major causes of death. In a June 2006 speech to the Russian National Security Council, President Putin declared that Russia is facing a demographic crisis and called for measures to improve birth and mortality rates and increase population through immigration, primarily the return of Russian-speaking foreigners.
St. Basil's Cathedral and Spasskaya Tower of Kremlin, Red Square, Moscow.
Population of Russia .
Russia sent 3,706 children to the United States in 2006, the third-largest sending country (after China and Guatemala, respectively) for International Adoption. Despite economic reforms that have taken place since the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union, many families in former Soviet nations struggle to survive. An estimated 600,000 children live "without parental care" in Russia. About one-third live in institutions; the rest typically live with guardians, in shelters, or under police jurisdiction. Poverty is a factor in most relinquishments. Two groups of children are typically available: babies relinquished in the hospital at birth to orphanages, and older children who are removed from their families because of neglect. Sibling groups are available.
It is sometimes said that Medical diagnoses are exaggerated because only unhealthy children may be adopted or to increase the funding available to the orphanage. The major difficulty with interpreting these reports stems from some particularities of the Russian medical system. Russian physicians practice medicine differently from physicians in the U.S.. Diagnostic categories are different, concepts of pathophysiology are different, methods of assessment are different, the psychology of physicians is different, etc. Even within the same field, the lack of formal standardized certification and postgraduate training makes specialists at times seem to speak different dialects. (
Health Issues in Russian Children )
Age/gender of children adopted from Russia in 2005
50% Female
20% under 1 year of age
51% 1 – 4 years of age
Estimated Cost
$30,000 to $40,000
Profile of Children
6 mos. to 16 yrs.; in 2005, 20% were under 1 at the time of adoption, 51% were between1-4 years old. Sibling groups and children with special needs are available.
Timeline
From completion of dossier to referral: girl, 6-18 months; boy, 0-6 months
Parent Requirements
Married couples may adopt. Single persons may adopt but there must be at least a 16-year age difference between the prospective parent and the prospective adoptive child. Russia also has medical requirements for adoptive parents.
Travel
Usually two trips required, one to accept the referral and one to complete the adoption. Most regions require both parents to make the second trip, but one parent can make the first trip.
groups.yahoo.com/group/Russian_Adoption This list is an arena for all interested in the Russian adoption procedure, families who are currently adopting and those who have adopted from Russia, Eastern Europe or Central Asia.
JCICS The Joint Council for International Children’s Services (JCICS) is one of the oldest and largest membership associations of licensed non-profits international adoptions agencies, child advocacy groups, parent support groups and medical clinics.
FRUA exists to support adoptive families who are considering adoption, in the process of adopting and those who have returned home with their precious children! FRUA is an organization that is for everyone; whether you are just beginning to travel the road to adoption or you've been a forever family for awhile!
Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption (FRUA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit support network for adoptive families with children from the former Soviet Union with chapters throughout the U.S. Our families have found that there is no roadmap to guide new parents of adoptive children from the former Soviet Union, so we've turned to the real experts - other families. We can help you prepare for your adoption experience and support you after you return home. We offer the following services:
Network of support for adoptive parents
Cultural and ethnic events
Newsletter and lecture series
Forum for advocating adoption from the former Soviet Union
We do not place children. We are a support group of volunteer adoptive families working for adoptive families during all stages of adoption.
