Is there Psych testing for people who adopt from Russia?

Question

Two years ago, there were three high-profile cases of Russian-born children murdered by their American adoptive parents. An independent test of someone's suitability to be a parent doesn't seem at all out of place.

Answer 1

All parents who adopt. whether internationally or domestically must pass a physical.

Answer 2

Interesting question.  I don't know that psych testing is required for any adoption.  I mean we went through a physical and then also had to write a bio about us which did answer a series of questions they provide us, but I don't necessarily know it was a legit psych test.  

I hear your concerns and I understand.  However, I think I would have to agree that psych testing is not required for a person to have a child biologically, so I'm not 100% sure that it is appropriate for adoption too.  In fact, I bet most people hoping to adopt would fail a psych test simply because of the stress of everything they have gone through.

Answer 3

Yes, all adoptive parents have to pass a physical, but that doesn't include psych testing. During my physical I had to have my eyes, ears, chest, blood pressure, body mass index checked, plus a urinalysis, blood work done, tested for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, had my lungs listened to and had him hit my knees to test my reflexes. We didn't go over mental health at all.

During my homestudy, my SW did ask me a lot of questions, but I think even my mother in law could've passed that and she's nuttier than a bucket of squirrel sh**.

I know that Haiti requires a psych exam and there is rumor that Russia soon will be requiring one, and China and I believe Korea don't allow you to have taken medication for depression or anxiety, but I don't know about the other countries. If it meant more kids were placed into stable homes with mentally healthy parents and less abuse, I'd have been all for having to do that one extra step.

Answer 4

Is there psych testing for people wanting to have children at all? There are all kinds of horror stories of people who kill or maim children that they give birth to and are biologically related to. I do understand where you are coming from though. Yes, adoptive parents should be highly screened. Whatever it takes to insure children are being placed into stable and loving homes. However are there any guarantees in life whatsoever?

Answer 5

Nope. No psych testing in Russia or really, in most places.  In fact, go through the right steps and you don't even need a home study.   I'm not allowed to adopt in the US, but could in Russia (I have a brain injury).  I guess they figure that the kids are likely better off in the US with a few losses than the terrible conditions many of the children live in there.  Every time my mom's coworker returns to Russia (she emigrated here) for a visit, she takes no luggage for herself. It is packed with clothing we purchased at garage sales to take to the 2 orphanages near her home village.

Answer 6

No.  

There is only a handful of adoption agencies here in the U.S. who require psychological testing of the prospective adoptive parents.  Yet this is so crucial for the best interests of adopted children.  

Adoptive parenting requires far more empathy, knowledge and skill than does parenting one's biological children.  

Yet, most agencies' (and other countries') interest in qualifications focus on financial and religious issues, which are almost meaningless with respect to the needs of an adopted child (when compared with their emotional and psychological needs).

I fear for these children who, because of ignorance (both inadvertent and willful) on the part of their adoptive parents, will surely disappoint.  And then, who knows what will happen.

Answer 7

I was very surprised to learn from one of my brilliant colleagues recently that in fact, NO.  Psychological testing is not required or mandated for people who adopt from Russia.

http://russia.adoptionblogs.com/index.ph...

Yikes.