Why are Ukrainian children available for adoption?
As a former Soviet Republic, Ukraine suffered from the economic hardships of Soviet rule. Governmental corruption and inefficiencies, and a general breakdown of infrastructure, have left one of the largest and most populous countries in Europe with severe economic problems. This, coupled with significant rates of alcoholism, has created a large economic underclass. While they are now a democracy, and the economy is improving, many families and single women simply don’t have the resources to take care of some children, and are forced to relinquish them to the care of the state. Parents convicted of crimes or who have been determined to be unfit parents can also have their parental rights terminated. In short, the children in Ukrainian orphanages are very similar to the children available for adoption here in the United States. There are about 25,000 children entering orphanages in Ukraine each year. About 7,000 children are adopted every year with around 2,500 being placed international
