This program is currently closed

Kazakhstan Adoption Program

A Helping Hand offers a Kazakhstan program through our affiliate agency Nightlight Christian Adoptions.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

There is a large orphanage system established throughout the country of Kazakhstan. Despite the lack of funds given by the government, Kazakhstan has a reputation of providing orphans with excellent mental and physical care. Since it used to be a part of the Soviet Union, the orphanages in Kazakhstan are very similar to the orphanages in Russia. They are called Detsky Doms, which means “Baby Houses” or “Children’s Homes.” Babies up to ages 3-4 stay in the Baby Houses, while older children stay in Children’s Homes. Children’s Homes may also be divided between pre-school orphanages (ages 4-7) and school age orphanages (ages 7-16). In addition, some orphanages specialize in children with special needs, including learning disabilities, vision impairments, orthopedic problems, etc.

CHILDREN AVAILABLE

Children may be of Kazakh, Russian or mixed ethnic background. Even though it is possible to adopt a young child from Kazakhstan, majority of children available for referral at this time are 3 years of age and older.

ELIGIBILITY TO ADOPT

The age difference between adoptive parents and a child should not be less than 16 years and should not be more than 45 years. Married heterosexual couples and single women are accepted into the program. No more than 2 divorces are permitted per adoptive parent.

PROCESS

Once your dossier has been completed and submitted to the Central Authority of Kazakhstan, you become eligible to receive a referral of a child. At this time the timing of a referral is unknown. You will have ample time to evaluate your referral. If you accept it, then your travel will be scheduled.

Kazakhstan is a 2 or 3 trip process. On trip 1 during the first 4 weeks, both parents are required to meet regularly with their child to verify that they are bonding and that the child meets their criteria. Your documents are then submitted to the court and a hearing is scheduled for about 4 weeks later. At this time you may return home.
Trip 2 (court trip) is about 3-4 days long. Our in-country representative will prepare you for the court proceedings. You will be able to go back home right after your court hearing. The judge’s decision becomes official after 15 days and the staff then works on getting the child’s new birth certificate, passport and exit documents. The child is typically ready to be brought home about 30 days after the court. It is possible for only one parent to return to Kazakhstan when the child is ready to travel.

You would obtain your child’s immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy in Almaty.

TRAVEL

Kazakhstan is a 2-3 trip process. On trip 1 during the first 15 days, both parents are required to meet regularly with their child to verify that they are bonding and that the child meets their criteria. Your documents are then submitted to the court and a hearing is scheduled for about 2-4 weeks later. At this time you may return home. Trip 2 (court trip) is about 5-7 days long. Our in-country representative will prepare you for the court proceedings. You will be able to go back home right after your court hearing. The judge’s decision becomes official after 15 days and the staff then works on getting the child’s new birth certificate, passport and exit documents. The child is typically ready to be brought home about 4-6 weeks after the court. It is possible for only one parent to return to Kazakhstan when the child is ready to travel or arrange for an escort to bring adopted child to the United States.

POST ADOPTION

Post-Adoption reports for Kazakhstan are required until the child is 18 years of age. The reports are due every 6 months during first three years after adoption is completed, then annually until child turn 18.

COSTS

The program fee for Kazakhstan is $24,000. Your additional costs will include home study, airfare, hotel, meals and embassy fees as shown on the current Program Fee Schedule. Gifts and other in-country expenses are comparable to other international programs.

If you would like print materials about the program, download the Kazakhstan Adoption Overview. For additional information about this program please contact click here or Kate Feeback at (970) 663-6799 or [email protected].