Selecting an agency to partner with you on your journey to adopt from Ukraine can be overwhelming. Sometimes it may feel like one agency may be located closer to your home, another one may have more experience in the country that you’re looking into. If your family wants to adopt from Ukraine, look no further for an adoption agency! MLJ Adoptions is Hague Accredited, can work with families in all 50 states, and has decades of combined adoption experience.
- Experience and Expertise – MLJ Adoptions’ first country program was Ukraine. We have a long history guiding families through the adoption process from Ukraine. Many of the families who we supported on their adoption journey pursued adoption with MLJ after an experience hosting a child from Ukraine. MLJ has served hundreds of Ukrainian children in need of families over time. We care deeply about Ukrainian children and their fundamental right to a family. We also care deeply about working to ensure that best practices are always followed in Ukraine and other country programs. We are grateful to also have a Ukrainian attorney, Viktoriia, with us state-side who has been a fantastic resource for MLJ and our families pursuing adoptions from Ukraine.
- Working Alongside MLJ’s Program Director – We are very fortunate to have Lydia Tarr on our team to guide and support parents who adopt from Ukraine. She has been involved with orphan care and adoption in Ukraine for 16 years and has personally adopted four Ukrainian children. Lydia has such a heart for children and for Ukrainian. I have had the privilege to travel with Lydia to Ukraine, and she just lights up when she is there. It’s amazing how many friendships she has developed over time, and it’s no wonder that she is a great guide, as she has been there over twelve times throughout the years! Sometimes staying months at a time. She is forthright about adoption and the struggles that can come with adopting older children, as she herself has walked that path. This is a great benefit to families pursing adoption.
- Ongoing Social Services Support from Exceptional Professionals – Our Director of Social Services, Karlene Edgemon (pictured with a young man in Ukraine) and Social Services Manager, Angela Simpson, make a fantastic and dynamic team to support parents before, during and after their adoption process. Karlene has dedicated her life to serving children in need, and has had an impressive career in child welfare spanning over 25 years. Her expensive professional experience and calm demeanor serve our families so well. She is also versed in services offered by the state of Indiana and works diligently to help all families get plugged into state funded services for their children. Angela began with MLJ supporting families during the home study phase, but has now brought her own personal experiences and self-sought education to support and encourage our families post-adoption. These ladies care for children and their families so well.
If you’re interested in learning about how to adopt from Ukraine, contact us.
Nicole Skellenger, JD
Nicole Skellenger works as MLJ Adoptions’ Chief Executive Officer and Adoption Attorney. Nicole has spent time in orphanages with children who have nothing and are desperate for affection and has committed herself to using her skills to create better futures for these deserving children.
Nicole Skellenger, JD
Nicole Skellenger works as MLJ Adoptions’ Chief Executive Officer and Adoption Attorney. Nicole has spent time in orphanages with children who have nothing and are desperate for affection and has committed herself to using her skills to create better futures for these deserving children.