Do Kazakhstanis Avoid Adoption? Alarming Figures in National Statistics

In recent years, Kazakhstan has seen a decline in adoption rates alongside a rise in "secondary orphanhood." According to experts, while the number of state-run institutions has decreased, the fate of children temporarily or permanently separated from their parents remains precarious, reports Finprom.kz.

According to the CIS Statistics Committee, the number of baby homes in Commonwealth countries has decreased more than threefold over the past 14 years. Kazakhstan ranks second in this reduction, following Russia. In 2024, there were 20 baby homes operating in the country - a 28.6% decrease compared to 2010. However, while the number of facilities has dwindled, the number of infants entering them has not.

Based on data from the Ministry of Healthcare, 1,300 children entered baby homes in 2024, representing a 3.3% increase since 2015. A key trend is the growing number of parents placing their children under temporary state care; such cases have surged by 57.7% over nine years. This indicates that worsening socio-economic conditions are forcing citizens to rely on state support.

Declining Adoption Rates and "Secondary Orphanhood"
The most distressing trend is the sharp decline in adoption figures. Adoptions from baby homes have decreased 2.3 times. Furthermore, the overall adoption rate from residential care institutions has plummeted 32-fold since 2015.
In addition, "secondary orphanhood" has become a serious societal issue:

• In 2024, 235 children were returned to institutions from adoptive families.
• Of these, 164 children were returned due to guardians renouncing their responsibilities.
• Cases of withdrawal from foster care (patronat) have increased by 13.2%.

Child Health and Institutional Transformation
Statistics reveal another alarming fact: the number of children with physical or mental developmental disabilities in care has increased fivefold (from 30 to 167). This highlights a shortage of correctional assistance and a lack of individuals willing to adopt children with complex needs.

Currently, Kazakhstan is phasing out the traditional concept of "orphanages," transforming them into "Family and Child Support Centers." This is part of a broader strategy to shift from institutional care to family-based upbringing.
Experts suggest that eliminating secondary orphanhood requires more than just stricter requirements for adoptive parents; it necessitates a comprehensive system of psychological and social support for families after a child has been placed with them.