Background
The Republic of Kazakhstan is situated between Russia and China, giving it a rich culture and history. Because of its location in Central Asia, its multicultural population of nearly 3 million is composed mainly of people of Kazakh descent (a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes, giving natives a Eurasian look) and Caucasians. There are nearly 80,000 orphans in Kazakhstan, many of which are true orphans or have parents who were not able to care for them. The orphanages are in most major cities as well as their outlying regions. Both Eurasian and Caucasian children are available for adoption. Kazakh orphanages generally house anywhere from 30–70 children with approximately 5–8 children per caregiver
Eligibility Requirements
Officially, Kazakhstan allows both single and married people to adopt, and there are no age requirements other than that an unmarried prospective adoptive parent must be at least 16 years older than the child s/he intends to adopt. In practice, however, some unmarried prospective adoptive parents have found it difficult to adopt, as have prospective parents over age 50.
Processing Time
Application through final adoption decree is approximately 18–24 months.
Age of Children Available
Boys are more readily available than girls; 12 months – 15 years old. In Kazakhstan, you have the option to adopt siblings
Travel Requirements
Both parents must travel on the first trip. Only one parent must return for the second trip. The duration of the first trip is typically 3–4 weeks. The average waiting time before the second trip is 1 month from the first trip. The second trip is typically 7–10 days. Families can stay in country to complete the process in one trip of at least 50 days.
Post-Adoption Paperwork
You may be expected to submit one at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 1.5 years, 2 years, 2.5 years, 3 years, or some combination of these times, usually adding up to 6-7 within 3 years. You may also be required to submit one yearly, with pictures, until the age of majority. The US Embassy in Almaty states that the reports are to be done yearly until the child is 18, they must be done by a licensed social worker or adoption agency, and sent to the Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate.
Agencies
† Information gathered from various agencies and other online sources with special thanks to AWAA.org.