A Guide to Russian Adoption - by Alisa Karwowski (Hardcover)

About the Book

This practical book explains the process of adopting a child from Russia, from first contact with a Russian agency through bonding with the adopted child back at home. Karwowski provides a resource that parents can carry along as they navigate the paperwork, the home assessment, court hearings, medical exams, and financial components of what can otherwise seem like an overwhelming process. Herself the adoptive parent of two sons from Russia, the author also details common issues families face as they acclimate their new child to their home, family, and American culture. Aiming to break the process into manageable steps, Karwowski incorporates her own experience as a backdrop. Degreed in both psychology and sociology, she discusses sensitive issues regarding the child, which can include issues of abandonment, trust, and attachment. For all of these, she presents methods adoptive parents can use to see the signs and cope. She also addresses misconceptions commonly held about adoptions from Russia, the country to which she traveled four times across two years, to adopt her sons.

Book Synopsis

This practical book explains the process of adopting a child from Russia, from first contact with a Russian agency through bonding with the adopted child back at home. Karwowski provides a resource that parents can carry along as they navigate the paperwork, the home assessment, court hearings, medical exams, and financial components of what can otherwise seem like an overwhelming process. Herself the adoptive parent of two sons from Russia, the author also details common issues families face as they acclimate their new child to their home, family, and American culture. Aiming to break the process into manageable steps, Karwowski incorporates her own experience as a backdrop. Degreed in both psychology and sociology, she discusses sensitive issues regarding the child, which can include issues of abandonment, trust, and attachment. For all of these, she presents methods adoptive parents can use to see the signs and cope. She also addresses misconceptions commonly held about adoptions from Russia, the country to which she traveled four times across two years, to adopt her sons.

Review Quotes

"Based on her experience as a counselor, advocate for international adoptions, and mother of two sons adopted from Russia, Karwowski offers personal insights and practical advice on the overseas adoption process to those considering the challenges and rewards of adopting a child, particularly one from Russia. The guide includes photos and additional
resources and information on adoptions and foreign travel, plus instructions for the 'Application for Advanced Processing of Orphan Petition' (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form 1-600A).'" --Reference & Research Book News

About the Author

ALISA WHITE KARWOWSKI is a guidance counselor and licensed counselor in private practice. An advocate for Russian and other international adoptions, she leads adoption workshops for prospective and adoptive parents and their families. She is married and lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Tim, and two sons adopted from Russia, Jack and Charlie.