Bulgaria The Facility and Staff The children are cared for in a very unique orphanage that is run and managed by a private staff of medical doctors with 6 pediatricians and 50 nurses. The Director of the orphanage is a licensed pediatrician who was educated at the University of Sofia in Bulgaria. The children receive continuous medical care, love and attention. They are "potty-trained" upon reaching the appropriate age and development. The Children In accordance with Bulgarian adoption laws, the children are available to start the adoption process when they reach 1 year of age. Adoptive parents receive photos and video throughout the process, as well as updated medical data including measurements (height, weight, head and chest circumference), immunizations and lab test results (HIV, Hepatitis, Syphillis, Etc). Referral of a Child For each case, the following information will generally be provided: Name of child, date of birth, place of birth, birth data (weight, height, head circumference, chest circumference), arrival date at the orphanage, date the birth parents' relinquishment papers were signed, reason for relinquishment, name and age of birth mother, habits during pregnancy, any known family diseases, status of birth mother (e.g., alive, deceased), name and age of birth father, any known family diseases, status of birth father, sibling information, medical tests performed on the child, health information including general health, physical development, neuro-psychological development, chronic diseases or treatments, immunizations and other observations. Time Frame of Bulgarian Adoption Process From the time the adopting parents' dossier is ready to begin processing in Bulgaria, the process takes approximately 6 to 9 months to complete. Children in Bulgaria LAST UPDATED: 10.26.2000 All Rights Reserved! ©2000