Bulgaria is truly one of my favorite programs and I share this often with many prospective adoptive families! Why, you might ask? The reason is simple: Bulgaria offers families a greater degree of stability, transparency and predictability – at least to the degree that international adoption can be, compared to many other country programs. In addition, Bulgaria is also open to a wider variety of families.
Who can adopt from Bulgaria?
- Older adoptive parents that are not looking to adopt a young child or infant. Many sibling groups and older children are available with little to no waiting.
- Adoptive parents with problems such as secondary infertility (they may have a biological child or children but are experiencing complications of not being able to conceive subsequent children)
- Single men and women
- Adoptive parents who have previously adopted from another country, such as Guatemala or Russia, and would like to adopt a sibling for the first adopted child who may be older now
- Families who have remarried and may or may not have grown children that are wanting to start a second family
- Families open to children 0-3 years old but willing to wait or to accept minor special needs
- Families that have limited time off to travel for adoption as many countries require
- Empty-nesters who still have a heart for children in need
What are the parental requirements?
- There is no length of marriage requirement
- There is no particular age requirement but must meet USCIS guidelines and the request of child’s age must be within reason
- Adoptive parents must be at least 15 years older than the adopted child
As international adoption is trending to become more and more difficult, Bulgaria shines as it often shows a great flexibility (in age of parents and family size) for children with special needs, sibling groups, and older children. MLJ Adoptions has experienced much success this year with our Bulgaria program, and we see it growing even more in the future due to the many benefits the country offers.
We will be hosting an information session for families interested in adopting from Bulgaria on Saturday, October 25th at 10:00am. In addition to hearing from our staff, a family who has successfully adopted from Bulgaria will be present to answer questions. You may RSVP here. If you would like more information about our information session or our Bulgaria program, please contact us.
Photo Credit: photostock
Lydia Tarr
Lydia Tarr works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Bulgaria and Ukraine. She is the adoptive mother of four children from Ukraine and was recognized as a 2013 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption Program.
Lydia Tarr
Lydia Tarr works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Bulgaria and Ukraine. She is the adoptive mother of four children from Ukraine and was recognized as a 2013 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption Program.