Overview
The Latvian Adoption Program is a small program. There are very few agencies licensed to work in Latvia.
Children Available: Most children in need of adoption in Latvia are age 8 and up, or part of a sibling group. Younger children with various degrees of special needs requiring medical attention are also available. Both girls and boys are available. Children live in orphanages or in small group and foster care settings. Families for sibling groups of 3 or more are especially needed. Parents can make requests as to age, health status and gender
Parent Qualifications for Adopting from Latvia:
- Both married couples or single women are eligible; no length of marriage requirement; and may have other children in the home.
- Parents should be ages 25 to 55 with some flexibility on upper age.
- Parents should be in good mental and physical health.
- Applicants with a criminal history of child abuse or domestic violence are not eligible to adopt
Travel: Three trips will be required to complete the adoption process, unless a family is able to spend 5-6 weeks living in Latvia. Usually the first trip is 4 weeks. During that time, you will meet your child (children) and initiate the legal process of adoption. After the first trip you will have the opportunity to bring your child home with you. One or both parents will return to Latvia to complete paperwork and attend court hearings 2 months later, about a 2-3 day trip. Only one parent needs make the second and third trip. Adoption will be completed on the third trip which is about 6 days in length.
Timeline: Once dossier is registered in Latvia, it may take 2-6 months to match a child or children with a family. Agencies often know of waiting children with special needs who can be matched immediately. Travel typically occurs 2-4 months after referral.
Latvia Adoption Resources
Agencies Working With Latvia Adoption
International Adoption Agency
International Adoption Agency
