Here’s a brief overview of adoption laws and statistics for different European countries. Adoption laws vary significantly across Europe in terms of eligibility, types of adoption allowed (domestic and international), and the rights of adoptive parents. Similarly, adoption rates vary depending on cultural, legal, and socio-economic factors.
United Kingdom
- Laws: Adoption is regulated by the Adoption and Children Act 2002. Adoption is open to married couples, single individuals, and same-sex couples (since 2005). Thorough assessment processes ensure the suitability of adoptive parents.
- Statistics: Around 3,440 children were adopted in the UK in 2021. Adoption rates have decreased slightly, especially for younger children.
France
- Laws: Governed by French Civil Code. There are two types of adoption: plenary adoption (full, which severs ties with the biological family) and simple adoption (maintains some legal ties). Adoption is open to married couples and single individuals.
- Statistics: In 2020, around 706 domestic adoptions took place. International adoptions have significantly decreased due to stricter regulations.
Germany
- Laws: Governed by the German Civil Code (BGB). Full and stepchild adoption are the main types. Same-sex couples can adopt jointly since 2017.
- Statistics: There were 3,775 adoptions in Germany in 2020, with about 50% of those involving stepchildren.
Italy
- Laws: Regulated by Law No. 184/1983. Adoption is open to married couples, and only those couples can adopt, unlike in other European countries. Single individuals cannot adopt except in certain cases, such as when adopting stepchildren.
- Statistics: Italy has a lower adoption rate, with 1,183 adoptions in 2019. Italy is also a prominent player in international adoption.
Sweden
- Laws: Regulated by the Adoption Act. Same-sex couples can adopt, and Sweden allows international adoption. The process is supported by thorough screening and a transparent system.
- Statistics: Around 411 adoptions took place in 2020, a large portion of which were international adoptions.
Spain
- Laws: Spain allows adoption by married couples, single individuals, and same-sex couples. It has one of the more progressive stances on adoption.
- Statistics: About 1,100 adoptions took place in 2020. International adoptions have decreased in recent years due to changes in both international law and declining availability of adoptable children.
Finland
- Laws: Governed by Finnish Adoption Act 2012. Adoption is allowed for married and registered partners, including same-sex couples. Finland is strict about ensuring that children’s best interests are prioritized.
- Statistics: Finland has a relatively low adoption rate, with about 150 adoptions per year.
Netherlands
- Laws: Adoption is governed by Civil Code and allows joint adoption for married couples and same-sex couples since 2001. Single individuals can also adopt.
- Statistics: 500 adoptions took place in 2020. The Netherlands was historically a hub for international adoption, but this has significantly decreased.
Poland
- Laws: Adoption is allowed for married couples and, in some cases, single individuals. Adoption is highly regulated with a focus on domestic adoption.
- Statistics: In 2019, 2,970 children were adopted in Poland, mostly domestically.
Greece
- Laws: Adoption laws were reformed in 2018, allowing married couples and single individuals to adopt. Same-sex couples cannot adopt.
- Statistics: Greece sees about 300 adoptions per year, a relatively low number, with many orphans remaining in state care.
Norway
- Laws: Norway has an inclusive adoption system that allows single individuals, same-sex couples, and married couples to adopt.
- Statistics: Norway sees around 250 adoptions per year, with a majority being international adoptions.
Russia
- Laws: Only married heterosexual couples and single individuals can adopt. Same-sex adoption is prohibited.
- Statistics: Russia has a high number of orphans, with around 46,000 adoptions in 2019, although many were domestic.
Denmark
- Laws: Adoption is allowed for married couples and same-sex couples. The Danish Adoption Act is inclusive but has strict background checks.
- Statistics: About 200 children are adopted annually, mostly international.
Common Trends:
- Domestic vs. International: Domestic adoptions are more common across Europe, especially as international adoption has decreased in countries like Italy, France, and the Netherlands.
- Same-Sex Adoption: Same-sex adoption is legal in most Western European countries, but many Eastern European and some Southern European countries restrict adoption to heterosexual couples.
- Decline in International Adoption: The decrease in international adoptions is due to tightening regulations and fewer children available for adoption from foreign countries.