The program began with baby homes in two Belarussian cities. In 2001, the program was expanded to four other regions. IAG is one of only six agencies accredited to represent American families in the Republic of Belarus. As in Russia, the economy forces many families to place their children in state run institutions. Single mothers face social stigma and economic difficulties in trying to raise a child.
International adoption is viewed very favorably in Belarus.
The country recently held a festival in celebration of adoption and invited all children who had been adopted from Belarus to return and learn about Belarussian heritage and traditions. For more information on adoptions from Belarus, please refer to the Adoption Process section of this website. There have been recent legislative changes to the adoption law in Russia. These changes were signed into law by President Putin and will become effective October 14, 2001. The new law renders the information on the data bank confidential and can only be released to adoptive parents.