Q: What is the approximate wait time for a referral once Future receives the dossier.

A: It can range from six to twelve months depending on the situation in Russia. Girls take longer. An older child may be quicker. No referral is made until you have USCIS approval.

Q: Does the agency refer children before they come off the registry?

A: No, we want to provide the best opportunity for success, and minimize disappointment.

Q: Are you able to adopt two children at the same time?

A: Yes, and it costs less.

Q: Will you place two non related children at the same time?

A: Yes.

Q: Will requesting two children lengthen our time frame?

A: If you request a boy and a girl, the time frame will depend on the availability of the girl and then a boy is selected for the same time frame.

Q: Is the placement of two children at the same time, something you do frequently?

A: About a third of our adoptions are two children at the same time.

Q: Can we talk with parents who have adopted two children at the same time?

A: Yes.

Q: Will the agency help with the paperwork?

A: Certainly

Q: Do you have waiting parents?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you have many available children?

A: We do not maintain a list of children. The Department of Education does this and watches for our "waiting families" who have previously been approved and registered.

Q: What is the travel time?

A: You are given notice about three weeks before you travel for your first trip to Russia. You return to Russia for the court hearing about 6 weeks later. Each trip is about five days.

Q: Is escort for the child available instead of parents traveling?

A: No, Russian law requires that at least one parent meet the child (1st trip) and that both parents be present in court (2nd trip).

Q: Who coordinates your program in Russia?

A: We have our own staff. The coordinator does not work with other agencies.

Q: What kind of assistance will we have when we travel in the Russia?

A: You are met at the airport. You will have a Future escort with you the whole time you are in Russia. Accommodations and travel arrangements within Russia will have been made. However, you must carry your own bags, so don’t make them too heavy!

Q: Is there opportunity to sightsee in Moscow or visit St. Petersburg?

A: Yes, although it would be at additional cost. Also, you should do it on the first trip since the second trip should focus solely on the adoption.