The Cradle is able to work with families living anywhere in the United States through our Russia Program. Families who live outside of the Chicago area must complete an approved home study with a local agency. Russia requires parents to be between the ages of 25-55, and 25-45 for single women; age requirements may vary by region. Families with other children in the home are acceptable. Married couples must have been married for at least one year.

1. Attend a Russia Adoption Information meeting at any of our meeting locations, or view our online Russia meeting. These meetings provide an overview of The Cradle's Russia program.
   
   
2. Complete and return preliminary paperwork and registration fee
   If you already have a current home study, please complete and return our Russia Program Application.
   
   
3. Initial consultation with adoption counselor
   Meet with your personal adoption counselor who will discuss your interest in adoption.
   
   
4. Adoption home study process
   The home study consists of a series of couple and/or individual interviews with your counselor, selecting the adoption program that is right for you, home visits, paperwork, and a series of educational classes that will prepare you for welcoming a child into your home. We also can put you in touch with a mentoring adoptive family, someone who has adopted from Russia and can answer your questions or speak to any concerns you may have.
   
   A home study is made up of the following parts:
   - fingerprints
   - criminal background check
   - state child abuse and neglect clearance
   - medical history
   - a series of interviews with an adoption counselor designed to get to know you and educate you about adoption
   - autobiography
   - references
   - home visit
   
   
5. Complete and submit dossier (request for adoption) to Russian government
   
   
6. Receive a referral of a specific child from Russia
   
   
7. Travel to Russia
   Two trips to Russia are usually required of adoptive families. Activities during both trips in Russia will be guided by our Russian staff who are experienced in the adoption process. They will greet you upon arrival and take care of travel details and lodging and assist you in every way that they can. They will make the arrangements necessary for translations, visiting the orphanage, scheduling court hearings, and obtaining the paperwork needed to complete your adoption.
   
   
8. Celebrate your new arrival
   
   
9. Post-placement visits and follow-up support
   Your adoption counselor will visit with you at least three times during the first year after placement. You'll be able maintain your connection to The Cradle and other adoptive families at our many family events and workshops.