State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour


	LtIEn

Children have the right to be heard and adults should listen to their views. T. Hammarberg

Of particular importance is the child's right to protection from all forms of abuse and violence.

Children need safe environments where they can feel free to speak without the risk of being shamed or punished for their views.

Children have the right to be who they are. J. Korczak

Children are not prospective humans, they are already human beings.

I am not here to be loved and admired, but to act and love. J. Korczak

In all actions concerning children the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.
(UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Procedure

Adoption

Foreign families may apply only for adoption of children with special needs

From 1st of April 2012 foreign nationals who are the permanent residents of a foreign state may apply to State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour only with an application for adoption of children with special needs. Besides, only spouses may apply for mentioned adoption.
Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania (spouses) and spouses whereof one is a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania who are the permanent residents of a foreign state may apply for adoption in usual order as it was before.
New rules regarding intercountry adoption came into force in accordance with the order of the Minister of Social Security and Labour No. A1-8 of January 10, 2012 Re: Amendments to the order of the Minister of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania No. A1-162 “ Re: approval of the description of procedure for authorizing the institutions of foreign states to act in pursuance of international adoption in the Republic of Lithuania” of 3 June 2005.

Adoption by Foreign Nationals or by Lithuanian Nationals Residing Abroad
Detailed information about adoption, persons having the right to adopt a child, children subject to adoption and other issues.

Filled in questionaire for Lithuanian profile for Intercountry adoption (drawn up by the Permanent Bureau).

Graphical chart of stages a child passes till placement in foreign family.

Graphical chart of International adoption procedure.

National Adoption
Graphical chart of National adoption procedure.