Bulgaria – More Than Just a Special Needs Program

7
Jan

Many families are becoming familiar with adoption from Bulgaria. But because of misleading information given by most adoption agencies, families are led to believe that Bulgaria is predominantly a special needs program. While Bulgaria does have a high placement of children with special needs, it is more than a Special Needs Program.

Bulgaria is one of my favorite countries to work with. The program is stable, transparent, and very well laid out. Other than the wait, families find that adopting from Bulgaria is shockingly easy. While some countries have a difficult dossier to prepare, Bulgaria’s dossier requirements are relatively simple. Another great part about the Bulgaria program is that travel is quick, comfortable and well planned. Our Bulgaria partner, Vesta, takes very good care of our families – they do everything from pick them up at the airport, arrange lodging, provide travel and translation, and most importantly navigate families through the in-country process.

It has been an exciting year for us at MLJ to see so many children beginning to come home. While some families have chosen to go the Special Needs route, not all families have done so. At our recent Bulgaria Adoption Open House, families were able to meet several children that had just arrived home and could see they were healthy and adjusting well! Another misconception about adopting from Bulgaria is the term “special needs”. The term itself encompasses more than medical conditions, it can also be used for older children (5 and up), sibling groups of 3 or more or even family history.

I would encourage you if you are looking for an adoption program that is stable, transparent, and has beautiful healthy children to consider Bulgaria!

 

Photo Credit: Ivan Valentinov

Lydia Tarr works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Bulgaria and Ukraine. She is the adoptive mother of four children from Ukraine and was recognized as a 2013 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption Program.

Lydia Tarr works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Bulgaria and Ukraine. She is the adoptive mother of four children from Ukraine and was recognized as a 2013 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption Program.