After several days of negotiations, the United States and Russia seem near a new adoption agreement. The talks were scheduled to end earlier this week, but have been extended in hopes that a deal can be reached soon.

“Pavel Astakhov, a lawyer representing Russia in talks aimed at renewing adoptions, said that a breakthrough occurred after U.S. negotiators gave in to Russia’s demand that the accord be retroactive so that it protects children already adopted… Astakhov said that the new agreement will set up a number of licensed agencies that will have the right to assist potential adoptive parenting in finding a child. All adoptions through unaccredited middlemen will be banned, he said.” [Source: Associated Press]

In addition, adoptive parents will be required to undergo training in how to deal with adoption-related challenges. Children will also be monitored in their home environments. The agreement would apply to children adopted from and to both countries. There’s no indication when the details will be finalized.

Labels: international, Russia

Posted By: Adoption Issues