It was with excitement that I googled "adopting from Kyrgyzstan." I read someone recommending it on a message board and I wanted to investigate it further. Adopting from Eastern Europe still remains a possibility for us and I'm interested in any and all of the programs available.

Unfortunately, it looks like adopting from the Kyrgyz Republic is neither easy nor recommended at this time. According to the state department's website, only 5 children were adopted from the Kyrgyz Republic in 2005; 2 in 2004. Before that, none. In 2005, however, the government reportedly began working with 2 agencies, but I've been unable to figure out which ones they are. Apparently you can e-mail the U.S. consulate to figure out the agencies. One agency is Frank, which is the agency we used to adopt our son from Russia and which is a well-respected international adoption agency. This past year's Cherry Orchard contingent (Frank's summer program for older children) was supposed to come from Kyrgyzstan (but was cancelled) and other agencies that say they facilitate Kyrgyzstan adoptions is Christian World Adoption, Adopted Blessings, and Adoption Options (affiliated with Frank).

Certainly if you're interested in adopting from Kyrgyzstan you need to do your homework. Make sure your agency is accepted there. I personally would go with the most respected agency involved, even if it were more expensive to do so.

Kyrgyzstan is located between China and Kazakhstan and children from age 3 mos to 8 years are apparently available. The predominant ethnic group is Eurasian although some ethnic Russian children are available. I have no information as to costs or timeframe - most of the agencies I listed list differing time frames and since it's such a new program I'm uncomfortable giving out any absolutes. Most of the agencies I listed said 2 trips are necessary, with only one parent required to make the 2nd trip.

Edited to add: You should probably read this blog entry if you're considering this country, as it's by a person working in the baby homes in Kyrgyzstan. In the comments field of the entry you can see a post made by someone in the process of adopting from Kyrgyzstan through Frank. So it looks like things are moving there...albeit cautiously.