Sweden’s Government Investigates International Adoptions, Proposes Halt Due to Misconduct
Sweden's government recommends halting international adoptions after revealing misconduct in the adoption process.
Key Points
- • Government investigation recommends stopping international adoptions due to serious misconduct.
- • Children from poor families were reported to have been taken from biological parents for adoption.
- • Current Minister stresses future processes must ensure safety and legal certainty.
- • Adoptionscentrum advocates for children's best interests amid the proposed ban.
On June 1, 2025, a comprehensive government investigation revealed severe misconduct in Sweden’s international adoption practices and recommended a full halt to these adoptions. Anna Singer, who led the investigation, emphasized that there have been significant irregularities, particularly noting that children from impoverished backgrounds have been taken from their biological parents for adoption in Sweden. This investigation was prompted by earlier reports from Dagens Nyheter, which highlighted these troubling practices.
Singer stated during a press conference, "International adoption mediation is not a sustainable solution to protect children as a group," which captures the crux of the report's findings. She proposed that the state should apologize to affected individuals and establish a national resource center to provide ongoing support. Additionally, she recommended a grant of 15,000 kronor for adopted individuals to aid their integration and acknowledgment of their experiences.
Current Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson acknowledged the report's findings and characterized the situation as a significant failure of the system. She stressed the necessity of ensuring safety and legal certainty for any future adoption processes. The government plans to forward the report for public consultation to foster transparency and dialogue with all parties involved.
Adoptionscentrum, Sweden's largest international adoption agency, while endorsing the report's investigation, expressed concerns over the recommendation for a blanket ban on international adoptions. Vice Chair Margret Josefsson argued that in some cases, particularly for children who might otherwise grow up in institutional settings, being raised in a secure family abroad could serve their best interests.
The report notes that there are around 60,000 individuals who have been internationally adopted in Sweden, excluding those adopted from Nordic countries. While international adoptions peaked during the 1970s and 1980s, they have sharply declined, with only 54 adoptions recorded last year. Notably, the investigation into these irregular practices has roots extending back to the 1950s. Additionally, several countries, including the Netherlands and Norway, have already paused or restricted their international adoption programs in light of similar concerns.
As Sweden navigates this significant shift, the implications for many families and children hang in the balance, signaling a critical juncture in its adoption policy.