Dramatic Reductions in Adoptions from Abroad
Dramatic Reduction in Adoptions from Abroad
Published 25.03.2008, 08.33 (updated 25.03.2008, 08.39)
Image: YLE
The number of children adopted from abroad by Finns has plummeted by
50 percent in two years. The reasons include backlogs in adoption
cases abroad and improved conditions in familiar adoptee countries.
Finnish adoption agencies have begun looking elsewhere for children
in need of homes.
Eager adopters in Finland can wait upwards of four years to welcome
their new family members from abroad.
Hanna Markkula-Kivisilta of Save the Children Finland says adoption
waiting times have lengthened due to fewer children in need of new
homes abroad.
Additionally, between 2005 and 2006 China alone received a massive
number of adoption applications from across the world - and it's
simply taking time to process them.
The situation abroad has made itself felt in Finland. As of 2005, the
number of adopted children has fallen by half, down to 150 in 2007.
As a result, Finnish adoption agencies are seeking contacts in new
countries. Save the Children Finland is considering creating contacts
from two new sources in Africa and Asia.
Another middleman - Interpedia - has applied to the Ministry of
Health and Social Services to set up adoption contacts in Kenya. A
decision is expected after further deliberation.
Agencies also have to tread carefully in new adoptee countries, for
fear of sending the message that locals are unable to take care of
their children. Thorough checks are also needed to ensure that
potential adoptees are not stolen or kidnapped.
YLE
http://www.yle.fi/news/left