Adoption in Ukraine has changed over the past few years. Since the implementation of the Universal Accreditation Act, independent adoptions from Ukraine are no longer possible. Families wanting to adopt a Ukrainian child will need to choose an agency to partner with. Many families who have hosted a child from Ukraine, or are open to a special needs child, will be trying to decide on who best suits their needs. Why should that agency be MLJ Adoptions?
I am a mother to four Ukrainian children and as the Ukraine Program Director, I have been through the process, and have more than 16 years of experience with Ukrainian adoptions. MLJ Adoptions is dedicated to working with ethical staff in our programs and are working with some of the most knowledgeable attorneys and facilitators in Ukraine. I personally know the staff we are working with, and trust that they always having the best interest of the child and the care and safety of our families at heart.
MLJ has an amazing support staff with experience in dealing with older children. Several of MLJ’s staff have completed the TBRI training by Karyn Purvis and are available to offer advice or helpful strategies with parenting children from hard places. MLJ provides ongoing education and support to families for as long as the family needs or wishes. In addition, as the Ukraine Program Director, I have developed a network of families, churches and translators who are willing to offer additional support to help make the transition of bringing home your child easier.
As a mother to children who were older when adopted, I am dedicated to helping families understand how important it is to be educated and prepared to parent older children who come from a trauma background. Because of my own experience, I am personally familiar with the problems many families may face, and I want to provide resources to help. I am passionate about Ukraine, and have a deep respect for my children’s birth country. Because of my own children, and witnessing what a difference adoption has made in their lives, I want to continue to help other children.
I know that adoptive parents will have choices when considering an adoption service provider, and that final selection may not always be MLJ, but for the families who do choose to move forward with MLJ Adoptions, it is my goal to guide you through the process and your journey! It is not an easy journey, it is not an easy country, and the task of parenting an older child is often difficult, however it is a journey of a lifetime!
You may contact us for more information on adopting from Ukraine.
Lydia Tarr
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
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.