By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Couples who want to adopt Russian children should undergo special training in the basics of teaching, psychology and first aid, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said.
“High-quality training must be compulsory for the adoptive parents,” Putin said.
The classes should be required for both Russian and foreign couples, he said, adding that regional authorities should cover the costs incurred by Russian couples.
Russia and the US have signed an adoption deal that stipulates psychological testing of adoptive parents and requires them to use only accredited adoption agencies.
The new agreement also envisages that all adopted Russian children will maintain dual citizenship until they become legal adults, after which they may choose their citizenship.
Russia is one of the largest sources of foreign adoptions for US families. Latest official figures show that about 60,000 children born in Russia have been adopted by families in the US since the adoptions started more than 15 years ago.