|
Hungarian Children
Infants until age 16 are available for adoption, but there is a long waiting list and limited number of children under 3 years
old.The majority of children are between 3 and 6 years old. Many children older than 6 and children not of Hungarian background
are also available. Children with medical issues are available almost immediately after the paperwork is processed. The children
are from govt.-overseen orphanages and foster homes. The orphanages are better than those of other European countries. However,
most children available for adoption are from foster homes, where they are in a family structure and receive one-on-one attention.
Both boys and girls are available, but since most parents adopt girls and their birthrate is lower, more boys are available.
Note: The requirements and process below are combined with US laws, but it should also
be a basis for citizens of other countries.
Requirements
There is no age limit for parents, but if one of the adoptive parents is under 45, the couple is given priority. This age
limit may become a requirement. However, you must be at least 25 years old. Singles may adopt, but couples have priority.
Your husband/wife must agree to the adoption. Couples must be married. The process will go faster if you or your spouse doesn't
have a criminal record or has been arrested.
Process and Documents Needed
You receive photos, a video, and medical information before deciding if you want to adopt the child or not. One needs to have
an approved home study, proof of income, psychological evaluation, I-600A approval, US citizenship certificate, and if you
are using an adoption agency, their liscence is also necessary. You must also write about why you want to adopt, your preparations
for the child(ren), and your written approval about being on the national register (list of adoptive parents). These documents
are needed to be put on the national register; they must be translated into Hungarian by a certified translator, and need
to be at the most, a year old.
Parents travel to Hungary and meet the child for 3 - 5 days. Then, you decide to continue with the adoption process of the
child. If you agree, you meet daily with the child for 30 days in order to form a bond. This daily meeting is important to
the Hungarian government because of the lifelong commitment. At least one parent must stay in Hungary during this bonding
period. Families can also bring their other children. During this period, you will also go through a court proceding and
the child receives a physical exam. The total length of the trip is about 35 days. Your adoption agency / lawyer should be
able able to help you will the home study, travel, hotels, and language barriers. The Hungarian govt. is flexible if you are
unable to stay for a month. There are many options. It is better to complete the trip during summer vacation, or any other
vacation time. Hungary is a beautiful vacation spot.
Weather
The average temperature in Hungary is 10C, 50F. West Hungary is the most humid region. The Hungarian Plain, (south and central
Hungary), is dry, and sometimes there isn't enough rainfall to grow and maintain crops. The most rainfall occurs in May and
June, and the least occurs in February. Hungary experiences drought, but there is always plenty of water (for bathing, drinking,
etc). It may become chilly during nightfall throughout the year. It snows in the winter and the temperature may become 20F
/ 9C.
The current weather in Hungary's major cities.
Packing Tips
In the summer, bring a waterproof jacket and boots, umbrella, t-shirts, sandals, sweater (this can be included if you have
a warm, waterproof jacket), shorts, jeans (if you prefer them over shorts). Bring sunblock and sunglasses. In the winter,
bring a coat, hat, gloves, boots, and sweater, as well as some raingear (including an umbrella). When you depart Hungary with
your child(ren), bring documents proving you are the parent. This will make your trip faster because some government officials
may ask you for proof of your guardianship. The State Dep. mentions that Hungary, even though the country has a low crime
rate, experiences passport, currency, and credit card thefts. On highways, someone may try to bring you to stop driving while
your possesions are unattended, and then he would steal them. Health care professionals expect immediate payment in cash after
you are treated. There is a high number of traffic accidents during Christmas, nighttime, and the summer.
Other Information
The Hungarian adoption system has improved since the mid-90s. Parents go to Hungary to form a bond with their child and the
orphanages are superb. When I visited an orphanage in Hungary, I was surprised at how well-maintained it was and how happy
the children seemed. There may be developmental delays from being in an orphanage, which is normal. Nearly all children recover
from them once they are placed in a family with more attention to offer. However, most children available for adoption are
from foster homes, where they are in a family structure and receive one-on-one attention. All of these orphanages and foster
homes are overseen by the Hungarian government.
When born, Hungarian children receive a vaccine which creates an indent on the arm, near the shoulder. Just for parents to
know, this is normal.
Geographically, Hungary is in the exact middle of Europe (apart of Central Europe). It is considered Eastern Europe politically
and economy-wise.
Hungary
The capital of Hungary is Budapest.
Major Reasons Children are put up for adoption
Children are mostly given up due to financial reasons or because the govt. deemed a child's parents unsuitable for parenting.
Unwed pregnancies may also be a reason.
Advantages/Disadvantages
Hungarian Adoption Agencies, Lawyers, and Facilitators ...
Dr. Csaba GORDOS
Office address: Torvenyhaz u. 7. I/7., EGER 3300
Telephone: off.: (36) 411-011
Fax: (36) 411-011
Office hours: On an appointment basis
Practices include adoptions. He can provide the services of a certified translator, court reporter/stenographer, or
a notary. He will take cases outside of the city.
Dr. Andras KALOCSAY
Office address: Szent Istvan u. 49., GYOR 9022
Telephone: off.: (96) 310 069
Fax: (96) 310-069
Mobile telephone: (20) 9522-975
E-mail: kalocsay@arrabonet.gyor.hu
Office hours: On an appointment basis
Practices include adoptions. Is willing to take cases outside of the city.
Dr. Ottilia KISS
Office address: Szent Istvan u.10, GYÔR 9021
Telephone: (96) 335-638
Fax: (96) 335-638
Mobile telephone: (30) 9563-983
Office hours: On an appointment basis
Practices include adoptions. Can provide the services of a certified translator, court reporter/stenographer, and a
notary. Is also willing to take cases outside of the city.
Dr. Adam MENYHART
Office address: Bisinger Setany 2., GYOR 9022
Telephone: off.: (96) 319-943
Mobile telephone: (20) 3412-446
Fax: (96) 319-943
Practice include adoptions. Can provide the services of a certified translator, court reporter/stenographer and notary.
Will take cases outside of the city.
Dr. Laszlo MILASSIN
Office address: Hedervari ut 2., GYOR 9026
Telephone: off.: (96) 310-827
Fax: (96) 318-199
E-mail: milassin@szif.hu
Office hours: On an appointment basis
Works at the firm of Dr. Jozsef Horvath, Dr. Monika Bai, Dr. Geza Nemeth, and Dr. Laszlo Bai. Practices include adoptions.
Can provide the service of a certified translator, court reporter/stenographer, or a notary. Is willing to take cases outside
of the city.
Dr. Peter OBLAT
Office address: Lovohaz u. 16., BUDAPEST 1027
Telephone: off.: 316-936
Fax: 316-9363
Office hours: On an appointment basis
Sole practitioner at the above address. Practice includes adoptions. Takes cases outside of the city.
All the above lawyers were obtained from a list of attorneys from the US Embassy in Hungary's consular section. The lawyers are fluent in English, and were carefully selected by the US Embassy in Hungary. If you are having trouble reaching
the above lawyers, contact the embassy by using the site above.
Janos Samu is the president of the East West Concepts (translations services) but also facilitates adoption from Hungary. He speaks fluent Hungarian, German, and English. E-mail
him.
Mailing address to his company
East-West Concepts, Inc.
P.O. Box 527
Kalaheo, HI
United States 96741
Hungarian Mailing Address
9094 Tapszentmiklos, Fo u. 3
HUNGARY
Tel: 96 470 503
E-mail: janos.samu@raba.hu
1.)Main Street Adoption; This is the Only US Agency I Found with a Direct Hungarian Adoption Program.
2.)InorAdopt; Norwegian Agency with a Direct Adoption Program for Hungary. For Norwegian citizens only.
3.)AC Int. Child Support; Danish Agency - Has a direct Hungarian adoption program as well as many other direct
programs, such as China. Danish citizens can only use Danish agencies, and they must be residents of Denmark.
4.)Froze the computer!Sense Resource Center, Inc.; This Agency Assists in Adoptions from Hungary.
5.)Jewish Family Service Metrowest, Massachusetts; Assists in adoptions, including from Hungary.
6.)Not found!All God's Children; A Woman Assists 2 Hungarian children with their adoptions.
Hungarian Links Relating to Adoption
2.)A Personal Hungarian Adoption Story by a Single.
3.)The US State Dep's site for US citizens adopting from Hungary. Includes current laws.
4.)US State Dep.'s Travel Info. and Tips for Hungary.
5.)The Hungarian Embassy in the US.
6.)The US Embassy in Hungary.
7.)The Norwegian Embassy in Hungary.
8.)The Hungarian Embassy in Denmark.
9.)The Danish Embassy in Hungary.
10.)The Hungarian Travel Network.
11.)Malev Hungarian Airlines. (In English)
12.)Northwest Airlines.
13.)Northwest Airlines' Special Discounts for Adoptive Families.
14.)The Hungarian Tourism Board.
15.)The Hungarian Tourist Office in NY.
16.)Hotels in Hungary.Some Adoption Agencies / Facilitators will help with Lodging, but I just wanted to include this for your knowledge.
17.)Medical Clinic with Expertise in Medical Conditions of Children Adopted from Hungary.
18.)Hungarian Village Photos. This is Good for Hungarian Adoptees Wanting to Know What Hungary is Like.
19.)Story of a Woman Born in the US, Adopted, and Looking for her Hungarian Mother.
20.)The Int. Children's Safety Service, Hungary Branch.
Hungarian Links (not relating to adoption)
1.)The CIA World Factbook; Hungary.
2.)Lonely Planet's Site on Hungary.
3.)Budapest Sun; English-language Hungarian newspaper.
4.)SEK Budapest Int. School.
5.)Happy Kids Int. Kindergarten.
6.)The American Int. School of Budapest.
7.)Budapest Website. In English.
8.)If you ever visit Hungary, or adopt from there, be sure to visit Dunakeszi. It's near the capital, Budapest.
Site in Hungarian.
9.)Hungarian Resource Site in English with many Links.
10.)The Hungarian Children and Parents Group in the UK.
|
