Overview
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- Background
What’s Involved in Adopting a Child From Bulgaria?
The government office responsible for adoptions in Bulgaria is the Ministry of Justice. This office approves adoption requests based upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Health (for children under three years of age) or the Ministry of Education (for children over three years of age). If the Ministry of Justice approves a request to adopt, the case is submitted to a court for final review, and if approved, an adoption decree is issued.
Persons interested in adopting in Bulgaria must first identify a child available for adoption. There are many orphanages in Bulgaria, but not all children in the orphanages are available for adoption. Bulgaria has no central registry for identifying which children are available for adoption. Regional committees of supervising physicians and officials, together with the directors of each orphanage, determine whether a child may be placed with an adoptive family. Adoption agencies assist in identifying available children, often through videos or photographs.
The prospective adoptive parents should plan on making at least two trips to Bulgaria: the first trip to identify a child personally, and the second to conclude the adoption process and apply for an immigrant visa for the child. At least one prospective adoptive parent must be present to accept the child from the custody of the orphanage director after the adoption has been approved by a court.
In a Nut Shell
Children Available: Healthy children, from 22 months to 8 years of age. Special needs children are also available for adoption from Bulgaria.
Parent Requirements: Both married couples and single parents may adopt from Bulgaria. At least one adopting parent must be 25 years of age or older, and at least one parent must be 15 years older than the child to be adopted.
Travel Requirements: Travel to Bulgaria is required for both parents. Two trips are necessary; each trip lasts about one week.
Time Frame: From the time of your initial application with your adoption agency until you bring your child home averages 14 months.
Number of Children Adopted by Americans in 2004: 110
Additional Information: The children available for international adoption from Bulgaria are in orphanages. Post placement reports and supervision are required for two years.
Credits: The International Adoption Guidebook, © Mary M. Strickert
