Adoption in Greece evokes empathy, political ambition, and powerful emotions. Yet beneath the uplifting public narrative lies a maze of delays, legal hurdles, and institutional shortcomings that rarely reach the spotlight.

A Rising Trend That Masks Deeper Problems

Official data from ELSTAT show a 6% rise in adoptions in 2024, reaching 301 cases. At first glance, the numbers suggest progress. But they also reveal a skewed landscape: nearly half of adoptees are under five, while adult adoptions are increasing—an indication that the system often bypasses older children growing up in institutions. Children with complex backgrounds or special needs remain on waiting lists for years, caught in an invisible hierarchy of “easy” and “difficult” cases.

Shifts are also emerging among adoptive parents, with fewer couples proceeding to adoption and more single mothers stepping forward. In some cases, basic details such as a child’s gender are not even recorded—an alarming sign of procedural inconsistency.

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A Process Burdened by Bureaucracy

Despite reforms and the establishment of national registries, the road to adoption remains long and psychologically draining. Candidates complete extensive social evaluations only to wait months or years for a court date under the 1996 legal framework. Overloaded courts, understaffed social services, and uneven training standards undermine efforts to modernize the process.

The mandated secrecy surrounding adoption further complicates matters. Many adopted children struggle to access information about their origins even after adulthood, navigating a system that is protective in theory but restrictive in practice.

When International Procedures Add Another Layer

Intercountry adoptions, governed by the Hague Convention, add complexity. While some countries follow the rules reliably, others introduce delays or ambiguities, pushing Greek authorities to fall back on broader international law. Families investing emotional and financial resources often face unpredictable timelines and fragmented communication.

After the Adoption, a Void

Perhaps the most overlooked gap appears after the final decision. Post-adoption support from the state is minimal, leaving families dependent on private initiatives. In a period that requires stability and guidance, the absence of structured psychosocial assistance is striking.

Greece has made strides, but longstanding dysfunctions persist beneath the surface. For adoption to become not only lawful and safe but genuinely sustainable, these invisible obstacles must be confronted. Behind every statistic is a child waiting, a family hoping, and a system still struggling to meet them halfway.