• Program underway in 2005.
  
• Children come from a broad range of ethnicities.
  
• Adoption is finalized in Kazakhstan.
  
• Child maintains dual citizenship until the age of 18.
  
• Open to all provinces except Quebec.
  

Considerations:

• One 8 week trip to Kazakhstan or 2 shorter trips to receive child.
  
• Limited number of English speakers in country (interpreters are available).
  
• Post placement reports mandatory until the child reaches the age of 18 years.
  
• Children waiting for families due to socio-economic conditions.
  
• Children reside in Baby Homes (orphanages) in Karaganda or Almaty.
  
• Both boys and girls are in need of families (mostly boys).
  
• Majority will be approx. 9 - 18 months of age at referral.
  

Requirements:

• Minimum age 25 years (16 years between parent and child).
  
• Upper age limit for women 50, for men 55.
  
• Open to single females only.
  
• No same sex or common law couples eligible.
  
• Preference to childless and families with fewer than 3 children.
  
• Must be married for a minimum of 2 years.
  
• No more than 2 divorces per applicant.
  
• Must be in good physical and emotional health (no psychiatric illness and if existing health condition please contact the office prior to proceeding).
  
• Sound financial position.
  
• No criminal record and BOTH must be Canadian citizens.
  

Process:

• Completion of home study and approval in province.
  
• File translated and notarized by The Children’s Bridge.
  
• Sent through Kazakhstan consul to Kazakhstan.
  
• Parent(s) must travel to Kazakhstan to meet the child and stay approximately 7 ½ weeks.
  
• Adoption processed through courts in Kazakhstan.
  
• Adoption processing time averages one month.
  
• Once home, it is a requirement for the Consul General to visit the family in their home at their expense.
  

Timelines:

• Completion of home study (average time 3 – 4 months).
  
• Approval in province varies from 4 – 12 weeks.
  
• Wait for referral averages 6-9 months.
  
• Travel and in-Kazakhstan process averages 7 - 8 weeks.