International adoption of Portuguese children hits historic low

International adoption of Portuguese children has plummeted, with only three children finding families abroad in the first half of 2024. This marks a sharp decline compared to the same period in 2023, when twice as many children were adopted internationally. The trend highlights a significant shift towards prioritizing domestic adoptions within Portugal.

This development comes as over 300 specialists gather in Porto for a conference dedicated to examining the current challenges and evolving landscape of adoption processes. The meeting aims to address the complexities involved in connecting children with suitable families, both domestically and internationally.

While the exact reasons for the sharp decrease in international adoptions are not detailed, the focus on domestic placements suggests a strategic effort by Portuguese authorities to ensure children are placed within their home country whenever possible. The conference in Porto is expected to shed further light on the factors influencing these trends and potential future directions for adoption policies.