Adoption from Ukraine

Before children are eligible to be adopted from Ukraine they must first be on a registry for a period of one year. Due to this requirement, children under 18 months of age are rarely available for adoption unless they have severe health problems. The age range of children waiting to be adopted are 14 months to 16 years of age, but most children are 3 years of age and older. Ukraine does allow the adoption of siblings at the same time, but does not allow the adoption of two non-related children at the same time. The health of the children ranges from children that are in general good health to children that have severe medical and/or psychological needs.

Referrals are given by the SDA (State Department for Adoption and Protection of Rights of the Child) which operates as a central authority in Ukraine and is the sole agency who can give referrals. All children in Ukraine eligible for adoption are listed on the SDA's registry.