New Procedures for Identifying and Treating Active Tuberculosis

Effective April 1, 2013, the U.S. Embassy’s panel physicians in Ukraine will start using the Center for Disease Control (CDC) 2007 Tuberculosis Technical Instructions.  Please visit the relevant page of our website for detailed notice.

This adoption information is based on the latest guidance the Embassy has received from the Department for Family and Children (DFC) under the Ministry for Social Policy of Ukraine.  It is provided for general information only.  Questions involving interpretation of specific Ukrainian adoption laws should be addressed to foreign legal counsel or your adoption service provider.

Disclaimer:

Information that you will find on our website is a guide for U.S. citizens who plan to adopt a child in Ukraine and apply for an immigrant visa for the child to come to the United States.  This process involves complex foreign and U.S. legal requirements.  U.S. consular officers review each case carefully to ensure that the legal requirements of both countries have been met, for the protection of the prospective adopting parent(s), the biological parents(s) and the child.  Interested U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to contact U.S. consular officials in Ukraine before formalizing an adoption agreement to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed, which will make it possible for the Embassy to issue a U.S. immigrant visa for the child.

What does Ukraine require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

Ukraine requires adoptive parents to supply information about the adopted child's living conditions and educational progress to the Ukrainian consular office annually during the first three years following the adoption and once every three years thereafter, until the child's 18^th birthday.  NOTE: Under Ukrainian law, an adopted child remains a citizen until he/she turns 18 years old.  At that time, he/she can decide whether or not to remain a Ukrainian citizen. 

We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of Ukraine and complete all post-adoption requirements in a timely manner.  Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process.  Your cooperation will contribute to that country's history of positive experiences with American parents.

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption? 

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption.  Take advantage of all the resources available to your family – whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.

Here are some good places to start your support group search:

• Child Welfare Information Gateway
• North American Council on Adoptable Children

NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.