Bulgaria adoption

In Bulgaria, children aged 18 months to 15 years are longing for forever families. Many have special medical needs, are older, or are part of sibling groups. Living in orphanages and foster homes, they face challenges like Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and developmental delays. These children have endured trauma and loss, and their need for a loving, permanent family is urgent.
The Gladney Center for Adoption is committed to finding these children the caring, supportive homes they deserve by matching them with hopeful, well-equipped adoptive parents.

Adopting from Bulgaria

Adoption is an urgent need in Bulgaria. There is an immediate need for parents who are open to adopting children with special needs or sibling groups. All adoptive parents must meet Bulgaria’s criteria for adoption to be considered for a match. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, reach out to an adoption specialist who can help determine the right fit for your family and answer your questions.

Step 1: Check your program eligibility by submitting the Prospective Adoptive Parent Form

Step 2: Ready to move forward? Complete the Placement Application to officially begin

Start your adoption journey with Gladney’s pre-adoption training to get the essential skills and insights you’ll need throughout the adoption process.

Bulgaria Tract Programs

Bulgaria’s adoption program offers two tracts for forever families:

Traditional Program

In the Traditional Program, families submit a dossier outlining the characteristics of the child they wish to adopt. The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) reviews the dossier and presents the family with a referral. Children in this program typically have less severe special needs.

Waiting Child Program

The Waiting Child Program allows families to express interest in a specific child by submitting commitment paperwork. If approved, the family submits a dossier for the child and completes a home study. This program often includes children with more significant special needs.

Couples interested in adopting through Gladney’s Bulgaria Program must meet the following guidelines:

• Married couples and single women are eligible to adopt
• Older parents will be referred older children
• Parents must be at least 15 years older than the child they wish to adopt
•  There is no specific requirement regarding length of marriage or prior divorces; however, the strength of the current marriage and relationship history is taken into account.

Adoption Criteria

Adoption criteria are based on the requirements of the country and may change over time. To ensure you meet the criteria, it’s best to contact an adoption specialist to discuss your specific situation and start making an adoption plan.

• Marital Status: Married couples and single men and women are eligible.
• Age: Parents must be at least 15 years older than the child they wish to adopt and no more than 50 years older than the child.
• Residency: Parents must be legal residents of the United States.
• Background: A stable family environment and strong relationship history are considered. Parents should be in good health, and productive members of society (criminal records will be considered).
• Cultural Sensitivity: Parents should be open to and respectful of the child’s cultural background and heritage.
• Training: All hopeful adoptive parents pursuing adoption in Bulgaria are required to complete pre-adoptive training assigned by Gladney.

Adoption Process

1. INITIAL CONTACT AND APPLICATION

Before submitting your official application, contact a Gladney adoption specialist to discuss whether the Bulgaria adoption program is a good fit for your family. Gladney is currently seeking families who are willing to be flexible and patient as they navigate the adoption process together.

2. CASEWORKER ASSIGNMENT AND NEW CLIENT PACKET

Once your application documents and fee are submitted, you will be assigned a caseworker. This person will serve as your primary contact throughout the adoption process, answering questions and providing support. You’ll also receive a New Client packet that includes step-by-step instructions for the adoption process, information on the home study, pre-adoption training requirements, guidance on the US immigration application, and instructions for preparing your dossier.

3. COMPLETE PRE-ADOPTIVE TRAINING

Training and preparation are absolutely essential for a successful adoption, and at Gladney, we’re proud to offer some of the most comprehensive and meaningful training opportunities available. As part of your adoption process, you’ll complete both pre-adoptive training, child specific training, and participate in Gladney’s exclusive Pathways training held at our Fort Worth campus.

These trainings are a true benefit—an investment in your family’s long-term success. They deepen your understanding of the adoption journey and the unique needs of children, while equipping you with the skills and confidence to provide a safe, nurturing, and stable home. Our approach is trauma-informed and child-centered, ensuring you receive the very best preparation possible. We take great pride in empowering our prospective adoptive parents with the tools they need to thrive as they welcome a child into their lives.

4. Complete an International Home Study

If you live in a Gladney-licensed state, your adoption specialist will assign a home study worker to your case. The home study department will then contact you directly to schedule appointments. Gladney home studies service hopeful adoptive parents in Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas. If you live in one of these listed states and are ready to start your home study, fill out our home study form here.

If you do not live in a Gladney-licensed state, you will need to choose a home study provider who meets Gladney’s criteria. Check with your adoption specialist to ensure your home study will be eligible for the adoption process.

5. Choose Your Tract (Waiting Child or Traditional Program)

Traditional Program

In the Traditional Program, families create a dossier detailing the characteristics of the child they are eligible to adopt (See Step 6). The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) then reviews this dossier and provides the family with a referral. Children eligible through this program generally have less severe special needs than those in the Waiting Child Program.

Waiting Child Program

In the Waiting Child Program, families express interest in a specific child from the Waiting Child list by submitting commitment paperwork to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). Upon approval, the family is asked to provide a dossier for the child. Throughout this period, Gladney continues to advocate for the child until the family has an approved and valid home study. This program often includes children with more complex special needs.

6. Prepare your Dossier

Your adoption specialist and a Gladney Adoption Specialist will guide you through the dossier process. A dossier is a collection of essential documents for adoption. It could include an application letter, home study report, notarized references, certified birth and marriage certificates, medical reports, FBI fingerprints, USCIS approval, and various agreements and photos. These documents give adoption authorities a complete overview of your family.

7. Travel to Bulgaria

Adoptive parents must make two trips to Bulgaria. After receiving the official referral, the family will travel for a 5-day visit to meet the child (this does not include 2-3 days of travel time).

If the hopeful adoptive parents decide to proceed, the adoption process will start in Bulgaria while the immigration/visa process (I-800) takes place in the US. Once both countries complete their steps, the final trip to Bulgaria will be scheduled to unite the family and complete the visa process. This trip lasts about 7-10 days and typically occurs 3-4 months following the first trip. Gladney and our Bulgarian partners will coordinate all travel appointments.

Post-Adoption Reports

Post-adoption reports are essential because they demonstrate compliance with agency and country requirements, reassure the placing country that the child is well cared for, and help maintain transparency and accountability when US citizens adopt from Bulgaria.

What Are Post-Adoption Reports?

Post-adoption reports are written updates completed by your home study social worker to ensure that the adopted child is thriving in their new environment. These reports include:

• 6-8 photos of the child with captions
• Details about the child’s health and well-being
• Information on how the family is adjusting

When Are Post-Adoption Reports Due?

For adoptions from Bulgaria, reports should be submitted to Gladney at the following intervals after you arrive home with your child:

• 1 month
• 6 months
• 12 months
• 18 months
• 2 years
• 2.5 years
• 3 years

For any questions or additional guidance, contact your adoption specialist.

Common Questions

1. How old do I have to be to adopt from Bulgaria?

To adopt from Bulgaria, you must be a married couple or single woman or man, at least 15 years older than the child, but no more than 50 years older than the child, and a legal resident of the US. A stable family environment and respect for the child’s cultural background are also required. Learn more about eligibility.

2. Who are the children in need of adoption in Bulgaria?

Children from Bulgaria are typically aged 18 months to 15 years and often have special needs like Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, or developmental delays. Many are part of sibling groups. All children have a history of trauma.

3. What is the process for adopting a child from Bulgaria?

The process includes completing an international home study, preparing a dossier, completing pre-adoptive training, and making two trips to Bulgaria to finalize the adoption. Learn more about the adoption process.

4. What are post-adoption reports, and why are they important?

Post-adoption reports are updates regarding your family about the child’s well-being. They include photos and details about health and family adjustment ensuring compliance with Bulgaria’s requirements and showing that the child is thriving. Learn about post-adoption reports.

5. When are post-adoption reports due for Bulgaria adoptions?

Post-adoption reports for Bulgaria are due at 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2 years, 2 ½ years, and 3 years after the child arrives home. See the post-adoption report schedule.

6. What is the difference between the Traditional Program and the Waiting Child Program?

In the Traditional Program, families submit a dossier and wait for a referral from the Ministry of Justice. The Waiting Child Program allows families to apply to adopt a specific child from the waiting list and submit commitment paperwork. The Waiting Child Program often involves children with more complex needs. Compare the programs.

7. What special needs might children from Bulgaria have?

Children eligible for adoption from Bulgaria have widely varying special needs. Some of the more common special needs are Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delay, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, seizure disorders, bio parent mental health histories, global developmental delay.

8. How can I prepare for adopting a child with special needs?

Research the child’s medical conditions, connect with support groups, consult medical specialists, and ensure you have the necessary training and understanding to care for the child’s needs.

9. What training is required to adopt from Bulgaria?

At Gladney, training is a key part of preparing families for a successful adoption. All prospective parents complete pre-adoptive training that covers the adoption process, common needs of children, and practical parenting tools. You’ll also participate in Gladney’s Pathways training — our in-person, trauma-informed program held at the Fort Worth campus — which offers deeper guidance and preparation.

These trainings, as well as child specific training, ensure you are well-equipped, supported, and ready to provide a safe, nurturing home for the child you will welcome.

10. How do I get started?

Fill out the form below and a representative will reach out to you shortly.

Post-Adoption Services

Gladney’s post-adoption support is built on a “family for life” philosophy, recognizing that adoption is a lifelong journey and providing ongoing care well beyond placement. Their services include education and training for adoptive parents, access to nationwide support groups, and clinical counseling (in-person, virtual, and in-home) to address adoption-related challenges. They also offer specialized support for birth parents and adoptees, including lifelong counseling resources, support groups, and assistance with records, registries, and maintaining connections when desired. Many of these comprehensive services are provided at little or no cost, ensuring that every member of the adoption triad has access to resources, guidance, and community throughout all stages of life.