Denmark’s adoption agency to close

Danish International Adoption (DIA), the sole facilitator of adoptions in Denmark, will shut down by the end of October, as reported by DR. DIA has informed officials, including the Minister for Social Affairs and Housing Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, that it will transfer its responsibilities to the state. The minister acknowledges the need for adoptions but states that it is too early to say how the process will operate in the future, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that human trafficking is not involved. The transfer of duties will initially go to the Ankestyrelsen (the Appeals Board). The DIA had stopped facilitating adoptions for several months following suspension by the Ministry due to irregularities and illegal practices reported in the media. At that moment, 11 South African children were awaiting adoption by Danish parents; currently, 5 are still waiting.