Canary Islands Adoption Procedure Suspension

Background and Context

The Canary Islands government has announced a temporary suspension of all new applications for adoption eligibility certificates. This decision has been taken due to a significant surge in requests — a threefold increase compared to the number of children available for adoption.

This move follows a 2010 decision to halt processing of adoption requests for children aged zero to seven without special health issues, highlighting ongoing challenges in the adoption process.

Current Situation

• Despite a gradual easing of the suspension, a high backlog persists.
• There are over 245 unassessed adoption offers for a single child.
• Dozens of families are waiting for approval to adopt children with or without special needs.
• Potential adoptive families face long waiting times, approximately six years.

The situation means that prospective adoptive families face long waiting times—around six years—without immediate resolution.

Goals and Future Outlook

• The suspension aims to manage the imbalance between demand and supply.
• It seeks to ensure orderly processing of adoption requests.
• Authorities remain open to rescinding the suspension if circumstances change.

Practical Changes Post-Suspension

• Once the suspension ends, only minimal documentation will be required to initiate new procedures:
  • ID
  • Residency proof
  • Criminal background checks

Summary

This decision underscores ongoing challenges in addressing the demand for adoption versus the limited supply of children. It highlights the need for careful policy management to support potential families and vulnerable children alike.