Polish nationals get first crack at adoptions

Some time in the mid to late 1990s a major change took place in Polish adoption procedures under UN pressure. The gist of it was that the nationals of a given country are to have the first choice of adoptable orphans. That means that the proverbial blond, blue-eyed baby boy is all but unattainable to foreigners.

Foreigners have access to the leftovers -- the physically and mentally handicapped, older youngsters (preadolescents and teens) and in some cases siblings. Someone willing to adopt 3 siblings (something few Poles can afford) have a better chance.

Polish ancetsry is a boon to the judges who rule on adoptions. If Polish is not spoken at home then at least Polish customs are seen as an asset as is membership of Polonian organsiations, parishes, etc. or other ties to one's Polish heritage.

The first question an adoption agency asks is: Will you take a child with a disability ? This is a test question to see how seriously you have considered adoption.


The state pays an allowance for each adopted child.


Not all adopted children are orphans. Some children are taken into care, for various reasons.

I have been told by Polish child-care officials that more than 90% of all children in Polish state and Catholic orphanages are social orphans. That means that one or both of their "biological" parents are living but these are usually unwed, underaged mothers, alcoholic, abusive parents, excon fathers or others unfit for parenting whose parental rights have been revoked by a court.