A June 15 article on The Local (an English-language Swedish news website) featured one couple's experience with Sweden's "stressful and draining" adoption process:

Brett, originally from Australia, met Eleonore, a Swede, 12 years ago while he was backpacking across Europe and she was on holiday with friends. They married in 2000 and spent time living between Sweden and Australia before settling in Stockholm to start a family. After many failed attempts to conceive, they decided to research the option of adoption.

They say the process was long, stressful, and mentally draining. Before applying to an adoption agency, couples must be approved by government social welfare services (Socialtjansten), which can take up to six months. Social workers assess aspects of the couples suitability, including economic status, reference and police checks, health, and living conditions, including house visits.

Once a couple is approved to adopt, the approval is good for two years. The process took a little longer for Brett and Eleonore than it does for most. But when they held their new daughter, just nine months old, for the first time, they said, all the "hardship of waiting and being stressed" disappeared.

Labels: international, sweden

Posted By: Aspen/CRC