Kazakhstan Adoption

NOTICE: Due to changes at the Kazakhstan Embassy here in the US, and changes in the Kazakhstan adoption program, CWA is not accepting applications at this time for families wishing to begin an adoption from Kazakhstan.  If you wish to receive an email notice once you can apply, please send your name and email to Carol cwa@cwa.org and we will let you know when this program reopens. (8/4/08)

Adoption Program
Kazakhstan has a reputation of providing excellent care to its orphans with orphanages and caregivers that offer better living conditions, a better atmosphere, and lots of love and attention. The wait for a trip to your region may be about 2-4 months after your dossier is received in-country. Parents may adopt one child or siblings. Currently, adoptions from Kazakhstan can take 6-11 months from the time you submit your application with CWA until the child is home.

The Children
Children are of Asian, Eurasian and Caucasian descent. Parents can choose to adopt a child of any ethnic heritage. Children are available for international adoption from age 6 months and up, and parents can expect to bring home a child age 8 months and older.

Parent Eligibility
Parents must be between 25 and 50 years of age, and only one parent must be a U.S. citizen. In some instances, adoptions are still possible when one parent is over 50. Approval to adopt is determined on a case-by-case basis by Kazakh officials based on your home study. Married couples and single women are eligible to adopt. Single women must be at least 16 years older than the adopted child. Kazakhstan will not allow more than two divorces in the parents’ past.s

Travel
Kazakhstan requires two trips and your initial stay in the child’s region may be about 23-25 days after you meet and choose your child. Including travel, the first trip could be a little over 3 weeks or so, depending on the time it takes to choose a child. The time period includes a required minimum 14 calendar-day period for both parents to meet with the child on a daily basis. This period provides time for parents to bond with the child/ren and confirm the commitment to adopt. The court hearing occurs approximately 5-10 days after the bonding period ends. After court, there is a 15 calendar day waiting period for the decision of the court to become final, and it is during this 15 day period the parents return to the U.S./home. The second trip takes about one week, and may include one or both parents, and will occur approximately 30 days after the court hearing. Parent/s will travel to the city of Almaty for four business days, if they have the child escorted to Almaty, to obtain a Visa for their child/ren. Another travel option is for parents to make the initial trip to Kazakhstan, then, rather than a second trip, parents may choose to have an escort bring their child to the U.S. The decision to use an escort must be made after paperwork is sent to Kazakhstan, and before the 1st trip occurs.

Note: Due to the nature of international adoption, all information contained on this webpage is subject to change without notice.