Danish International Adoption announces closure amid adoption crisis

Denmark’s only adoption agency, Danish International Adoption (DIA), has announced its definitive closure by the end of October 2024. This decision follows a series of troubling reports regarding adoption practices in the country. Earlier this year, DIA declared it would cease processing international adoptions after the Social Ministry suspended adoptions from the last five countries it worked with.

In a letter sent to various officials, including the Minister for Social Affairs and Housing, Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, DIA emphasized the need for a clear resolution from the state regarding these matters. The letter stated that the agency plans to transfer its responsibilities to the government, given the current situation affects employees, adopted individuals, and those on waiting lists.

Hæstorp Andersen expressed her sadness over the current state of adoptions and confirmed that the State Appeals Board would temporarily take over DIA’s functions. She noted that there are still five children matched with Danish adoptive parents who have yet to be united. The minister aims to facilitate their arrival in Denmark if possible.

There are currently 32 applicants on the waiting list for future adoptions, but they may have to wait longer to see any developments. Klaus Josefsen, an expert in administrative law at Aarhus University, believes the government will take its time to determine future adoption protocols, suggesting a return to state-managed adoptions for better oversight and security. He anticipates that international adoptions to Denmark will resume, albeit in a limited capacity focused on countries with established, safe practices.