Children’s Adoption Services will work with you to gather the necessary documents needed for your adoption dossier. Upon completion, this paperwork will be sent to an attorney in Armenia and translated into Armenian.

Your translated dossier will then be presented to the Ministry of Justice for approval.

Once a potential child is identified, you will be invited to travel. During your first trip, a medical evaluation of your child can be conducted. You may choose to hire an independent physician to complete this medical evaluation.

After approval is granted by the Armenian government, you will conduct your second trip to Armenia which will last 3 to 5 weeks. On the second trip, you will attend court and receive custody of your child. Following court there is a 30-day wait. However, a petition may be submitted to waive this wait.

To travel home with your child, the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia will issue your child a visa.

More About the Children

The Armenia adoption program places children who currently reside in orphanages. The children range from ages 0 to 12 years old at the time they are matched to a family. Younger children with special needs may also be matched through our Children’s Adoption Services Armenia adoption program.

About the Country

Armenia is located in Eurasia, the middle ground between Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The country boarders the nations of Azerbaijan, Turkey and the Republic of Georgia. Armenia was once part of the Soviet Union and ceded for the USSR in 1990. It gained official recognition of its independence in 1991. Today, Armenia is an associate of the European Union.

Armenia is the language most widely spoken in the country, but many Armenians also speak Russian and a growing number are learning English. Overall, Armenia has high literacy rate and values education.

What to Expect when Traveling

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by local English-speaking staff and escorted throughout your stay. You may in a host apartment or hotel. Your two trips to Armenia will be an opportunity to experience the culture of the country and get a view into typical Armenian family life. Families who have taken part in this program consistently report a positive in-country experience with our dedicated representatives.