In the first month following the start of Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, the adoption process was suspended (to be precise, it was impossible to carry it out). This suspension affected both the processes that had begun before the conflict and new adoption applications. It is important to emphasize that this pause was not due to changes in legislation but rather was a result of the objective realities of the situation.
During the conflict in the military invasion zone, the situation of children and families became particularly vulnerable. The suspension of the adoption process was due to the need to ensure the safety and protection of children, as well as to account for unforeseen circumstances related to the military conflict. On May 24, 2022, the first steps towards transforming the adoption procedure were made.
These changes established procedures for addressing emergency situations where a child temporarily remains outside the country due to martial law. However, it was only a few days later, on May 31, 2022, that further initiatives came into effect, covering the digitalization of adoption processes and the creation of a centralized database of children in need of care and profiles of potential adoptive parents. This initiative marked a new era in adoption, facilitating document collection and simplifying communication among all participants in the process.
To be registered as potential adoptive parents, individuals need to convince the authorities that they meet all the adoption requirements and gather the necessary documentation:
- An application expressing the desire to be registered as an adoption candidate;
- A copy of the passport or other document verifying the applicant’s identity;
- A certificate of average monthly income for the last 6 months or a copy of the income declaration for the previous calendar year, confirmed by the State Tax Service;
- A copy of the marriage certificate (if the candidates are married);
- A medical certificate on the health status of each candidate;
- A notarized written consent of the other spouse to adopt the child (if the adoption is by one spouse);
- A certificate of the absence/presence of a criminal record for each candidate, issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
- A copy of the document confirming ownership or use of residential property.
Only after receiving this documentation can the adoption procedure proceed.
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Given the fact that the adoption procedure, especially during martial law in our country, is quite complex and requires collecting a large number of documents, we advise you to contact the highly qualified specialists of the Lawyers and Realtors Association of Ukraine (AROU) to ensure a positive outcome.
If you do not live in Kyiv, we will gladly assist you remotely!
