Flanders to phase out international adoptions

The Flemish government has reached an agreement to phase out intercountry adoptions, Flemish minister for Welfare Caroline Gennez announced on Monday.

In recent years, numerous irregularities have come to light regarding international adoptions. For example, children arrived in Belgium supposedly as orphans, whilst it later transpired that their parents were still alive in their country of origin. The previous Flemish government therefore decided back in 2023 to introduce a moratorium on adoptions.

Due to the ongoing problems, political support grew for turning the adoption pause into a permanent halt. In March of this year, it emerged that there was also a consensus on this within the Flemish majority parties (N-VA, Vooruit, CD&V). Minister Gennez spoke at the time in the Flemish Parliament of “a historic moment”.

"It is time to close this chapter"

Now there is a genuine agreement on such a phase-out scenario. “The safety and well-being of the child must always come first. But even with the best intentions and extensive screening procedures, we cannot guarantee that in international adoptions. It is time to close this chapter,” stated minister Gennez.

In practical terms, a new adoption decree will be introduced to provide a legal framework for all adoption procedures. Under this, intercountry adoptions will no longer be possible. Only candidates who already hold a certificate of suitability and have a concrete match with a child in a country of origin will be able to proceed with their application.

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The new regulations are due to come into force in the course of 2027. Until then, the current adoption moratorium will remain in place. This means that no new candidates for intercountry adoption will be invited to start preparatory sessions.

Domestic adoption will remain possible, although the number of adoptions fell to 13 in 2025, the lowest level ever. A unified preparation process for adoptive and foster parents will also be introduced.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Flemish minister for Welfare Caroline Gennez © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}

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