Russian adoption program reopens

BANGOR – MAPS Adoption and Humanitarian Aid will highlight its newly reopened Russia Program at an adoption informational meeting 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at its new office at 229 State St. Call 941-9500 to ensure that adequate space and materials are available.

Known as a leader in international adoption, MAPS was the first American agency to place children from Russia with families in the United States in 1991. Since then, the agency has found homes for more than 1,200 Russian children in Maine and throughout the country, and has funded humanitarian aid programs to improve the lives of the children who remain behind in orphanages and foster homes.

In 2006, adoption through accredited U.S. agencies came to a standstill when Russia announced a restructuring of its agency accreditation procedures.

Recently, after 18 months of navigating Russia’s complex new requirements, MAPS’ re-accreditation was announced during a ceremony in Moscow hosted by the Russian Ministry of Education.

With new accreditation in place, MAPS has reopened its Russia adoption program to new applicants and can begin immediately to place babies, toddlers and older children into American homes again.

With an estimated 700,000 children living in institutions in Russia, the need for loving, permanent families is high. Married couples as well as single women may adopt. The process takes approximately 10 to 18 months and requires two trips to Russia to complete the adoption.

For information, visit www.mapsadopt.org or call 941-9500.