We are pleased to announce that AU BERCEAU DE LA VIE was accredited by the Government of the Russian Federation on August 15, 2001. As of July 1st, 2002 only six Canadian agencies have been accredited by the Russian authorities to perform international adoption arrangements for Canadian families. We are very proud that Russian officials recognize the excellent services we have provided so far and will continue to provide to children and families.

CHILDREN AVAILABLE
Six months and older, generally in good health at time of referral, with Caucasian, Asian appearances. Sibling groups available. Some children may need medical and/or developmental intervention. Children tested for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Updated medical and developmental information available at time of referral. Special needs children are available on a reduced fee basis, as well as healthy children five years and older. Actually, more boys are available than girls.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Two mandatory trips to Russia. First trip will be approximately one week in duration and second trip about from one to two weeks. Accommodation in local host families or hotels. Coordinators, drivers and translators will be provided by the agency. Families welcomed and assisted comprehensively by Berceau's staff throughout entire time in country. Children already in the home may travel as well.

LENGTH OF PROCESS
Preparation of families' adoption dossier takes about three months. Families are added to the waiting list once the contract with agency has been signed, and the child referrals are generally made within two - four months, after the dossier sent to Russia and depending on the child match. The waiting period may be longer for healthy girls under twelve months of age. Parents make first trip four to six weeks after acceptance of a child referral. Second trip occurs four to ten weeks after accomplishing the first one.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

• Married couples of 25 to 55 years old.
• Single women.

COMMENTS
This program is our most active one, where we are working in several regions in Russia.

Adoption of children with Special Needs from Russia

CHILDREN AVAILABLE
Children of all ages from Russia, with Caucasian and Asian appearances. Most children have disabilities that will require on-going and intensive medical, emotional, and/or intellectual intervention. Healthy children five years and older are included in our Special Needs program. Children tested for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Updated medical and developmental information available at time of referral.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance is available through Au Berceau De La Vie, and is awarded based on child's special needs, region of child's orphanage, and family's financial need.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Two mandatory trips to Russia. First trip will be approximately one week in duration and second trip about from one to two weeks. Accommodation in local host families or hotels. Coordinators, drivers and translators will be provided by the agency. Families welcomed and assisted comprehensively by Berceau's staff throughout entire time in country. Children already in the home may travel as well.

LENGTH OF PROCESS
Preparation of families' adoption dossier takes about three months. Families are added to the waiting list once the contract with agency has been signed, and the child referrals are generally made within two - four months, after the dossier sent to Russia and depending on the child match. The waiting period may be longer for healthy girls under twelve months of age. Parents make first trip four to six weeks after acceptance of a child referral. Second trip occurs four to ten weeks after accomplishing the first one.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Married couples of 25 to 55 years old.
  
• Single women