Sluggish Adoption Pace Reported by Latvia's Welfare Ministry
In Latvia, the number of adoptable children in the Adoption Register stands at 1,097, yet the number of finalized adoptions has been decreasing in recent years. This trend is not unique to Latvia, as many European countries have experienced a similar decline in adoption rates.
Several factors are likely contributing to this decrease, drawing parallels from broader industry trends and international experiences in child welfare and adoption dynamics. While specific data for Latvia is not detailed in available sources, the following factors are inferred based on relevant industry analysis and context.
**Demographic and Social Changes**
One significant factor is the declining birth rate in many European countries, including Latvia, leading to a smaller pool of children available for adoption. Additionally, increased government and social support for vulnerable families may reduce the number of children entering the child welfare system.
**External Shocks and Volatility**
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on adoption processes worldwide. Lockdowns, administrative delays, and decreased social interaction likely led to fewer finalized adoptions in Latvia, as observed in other countries. Economic instability can also strain families and organizations involved in child welfare, making it harder to complete adoptions due to reduced funding or resource availability.
**Changes in Government and Agency Structures**
Interruptions or restructuring in child welfare agencies, such as those seen in other countries merging or reorganizing departments, can slow down or temporarily reduce adoption rates as processes and staff are affected. New legislation, stricter regulations, or changes in eligibility criteria for adoptive parents can also impact the number of children placed for adoption.
**Increased Focus on Family Preservation**
A growing emphasis on keeping children with their biological families through early intervention and support services may reduce the number of children entering foster care and adoption systems. Adoption agencies increasingly prioritize permanency planning and family reunification over adoption, in line with international child welfare standards.
**Public Perception and Awareness**
Persistent stigma around adoption or misconceptions about the process may discourage potential adoptive families. Shifts in attitudes towards non-traditional families and adoption may influence societal willingness to adopt.
While these factors are not specific to Latvia, they are commonly cited in contexts where adoption rates have decreased in recent years. Latvia's situation may be influenced by a combination of these elements, especially given the broader trends in Europe and the impact of global events like the pandemic.
As of 1 April 2025, there were 711 foster families in Latvia, including those with children not yet placed. However, many potential adoptive parents prefer very young children, usually under 7 years old. This preference, coupled with the fact that most children in care are older or in sibling groups, makes it difficult to place them in the same family.
Moreover, foster families may be hesitant or unprepared to take in children with developmental disabilities or adolescents with complex behavior and addiction problems. Factors contributing to the decrease in adoptions may include employment, instability on the labour market, income levels, the energy crisis, the emotional sphere, changes in daily life and habits caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
Despite these challenges, only 102 potential families have contacted the Ministry of Welfare (LM) for adoption information. Latvia continues to lack enough foster families due to emotional, financial, and practical challenges. A total of 1,374 children were in the care of these foster families last year, with 337 being adolescents aged between 13 and 17.
It is crucial to address these factors and find ways to support potential adoptive families and increase awareness about the importance of adoption. By doing so, we can work towards ensuring that every child in Latvia has a loving and stable home.
References: [1] Adoption Trends and Challenges in Europe and Beyond (2021) - European Adoption Conference Proceedings.
In the context of Latvia, healthcare challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted adoption processes, potentially leading to a decrease in finalized adoptions. Simultaneously, the science and health-and-wellness industry is witnessing increased focus on family preservation and support, which may reduce the number of children entering the adoption system.
A growing emphasis on keeping children with their biological families through early intervention and support services may decrease the number of children available for adoption in Latvia, considering that adoption agencies increasingly prioritize family reunification over adoption. Additionally, the energy crisis and unprecedented societal changes due to the pandemic may deter potential adoptive families, contributing to the decreasing adoption rates in Latvia.
