Adoption of Children with “hard-to-place” Characteristics in Romania during 2016-2022

Aim: This article examines adoption trends for children with "hard-to-place" characteristics in Romania from 2016 to 2022. The central research question is whether recent legislative changes, designed to boost the adoption process, have positively affected the adoption of these children, who are often considered difficult to place due to factors such as age, health conditions, being part of a sibling group, or belonging to an ethnic minority. Method: A secondary data analysis was conducted using official statistics from the National Authority for the Protection of Child’s Rights and Adoption (ANPDCA). The data included adoption trends and characteristics of children awaiting adoption over the study period. Results: While the number of adoptable children continued to increase over the last seven years, there was no significant increase in adoption rates for children with "hard-to-place" characteristics. Many of these children remain in the system, highlighting the ongoing challenges in finding adoptive families able and willing to meet their unique needs. Conclusions and Recommendations: The findings suggest that legislative changes alone have not been enough to improve adoption rates for this vulnerable group of children. A multidimensional education program is essential to prepare prospective adoptive parents, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to care for children with complex needs, thereby facilitating more successful adoptions.