Uruguay: 564 Children Await Adoption, But Age and Family Ties Pose 'Barriers'

The National Institute for Children and Adolescents of Uruguay (INAU) faces a complex reality in its mission to find permanent families for children in its care. While the number of adoptable children stands at 564, the vast majority are older than seven, presenting a significant hurdle in a system often geared towards younger children. INAU President Claudia Romero acknowledges these 'barriers'—age, the presence of sibling groups, and disabilities—as key challenges that require institutional and societal attention. This situation is particularly sensitive given recent political scrutiny, including an interpellation of the Minister of Social Development over child deaths in INAU's tutelage. Romero's emphasis on the 'right to live in a family' and the prioritization of family and community-based care models signals a strategic shift. However, the low percentage of adoptable children underscores the deep-seated issues within the system, prompting a necessary review of judicial and administrative processes. The push for more specialized technical teams and a more 'friendly' approach to adoption processes aims to streamline and support families, but the fundamental challenge of matching older children and sibling groups with suitable homes remains a critical, ongoing task for INAU and Uruguayan society.

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The right to live in a family.