Russia suspended the work of all 76 foreign adoption agencies that operate there on April 12, 2007.
Russian sources say that foreign adoptions will be on hold for several months because the licenses of dozens of adoption agencies operating in Russia expired Wednesday and officials now have to consider applications for new ones.
Sergei Vitelis, an official at the Education Ministry’s department in charge of adoptions says the delay is merely “technical,” and that there are no political motives.
Last year, Americans adopted 3,706 Russian children, making Russia the third most popular destination for international adoptions to the U.S. (after China and Guatemala).
International adoption restrictions are being put in place in other countries, as well. On May 1, China begins imposing more stringent restrictions on foreigners who want to adopt from that country.
And the U.S. State Department has also recommend that Americans avoid adopting from Guatemala, where they say fraud and extortion reigns.
Stats:
In Fiscal Year 2006, the following numbers of children were adopted by US families:
China – 6,493
Guatemala – 4,135
Russia – 3,706
Source: Statistics on Intercountry Adoptions: “Infant Visas Issued to Orphans Coming to the U.S.”, US Dept. Of State Bureau of Consular Affairs
Related articles:
“From Russia With Love” This news-feature overviews the history of Russian adoption and the current state of adoption in and from Russia to other countries. Download a PDF of the article from this blog’s lefthand sidebar: “Links to Laura’s Adoption Articles”
“International Adoptions to U.S. Decrease by 9% in 2006”
Adopting Internationally? Be Prepared for Sudden Changes in Adoption Laws
Series on Russia & Ukraine Adoption
The Mystery of the Chinese Baby Shortage
Planning to Adopt from China? If You’re Fat or Ugly, Don’t Bother
Source information for this post:
Associated Press article by Maria Danilova Yahoo News
Seattle Times
New York Times
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