Adopt from Bulgaria

Children are Waiting for Permanent, Loving Families

Bulgaria is seeking families for children ages 1-15 years old; there is a particular need for families open to siblings, school-age children and children of all ages with moderate to complex needs.

Bulgaria is a signatory of the Hague Convention on International Adoption, which ensures that your adoption process will follow ethical guidelines and protects the best interests of the children. As a part of those guidelines, you will receive detailed medical and social information about each child to help you make informed decisions.

Children in Bulgaria

Children eligible for adoption from Bulgaria may have been relinquished, abandoned or had parental rights terminated. They are cared for in foster homes, group homes or specialized institutions. The greatest need is for families open to older children, sibling groups and children with identified needs. Children may have experienced emotional challenges, neglect and/or institutionalized care. Common identified needs include cleft palate, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, developmental delays and physical challenges. Most children are of Roma, Bulgarian and/or Turkish heritage.

Eligibility Requirements

Like all international adoption programs, Bulgaria has its own unique eligibility requirements for adoptive parents.

This program is open to:

Single individuals
Heterosexual couples that have been married for at least one year. Cohabitating couples may be considered.
Prospective, adoptive parents between 25-55 years old.
- The age gap between the child to be adopted and the youngest parent must be at least 15 years and no more than 50 years.
Parents should be in good health and will need to be endorsed for adoptive parenting by their physician.

Full requirements for eligibility

The Process

The first step is to apply and begin the home study process. If you live in Minnesota, Children’s Home can complete your home study. If you live elsewhere, you need to find an agency licensed in your state to complete your home study, and we will serve as the primary provider/placing agency.

Traditional Track

Waiting Child Track

Travel

Two trips to Bulgaria are required, the first lasting approximately five business days and the second trip lasting 7-10 business days. The first trip occurs after referral acceptance and includes meeting the child and care team, signing acceptance papers and initiating the legal process.

The second trip occurs 3-6 months later and includes receiving custody of the child, completing legal paperwork and obtaining the child’s passport and visa before returning to the United States.

While traveling, our in-country partners accompany and support you throughout the process.

Post Adoption

Bulgaria requires post-adoption reporting at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 42 months after the adoption is completed. Your state of residence or home study agency may have additional post adoption reporting requirements.

Bulgaria Adoption Fees