Azerbaijan.US
The number of single adults adopting children in Azerbaijan is on the rise, according to recent official data. While family adoption remains the most common model, Azerbaijani law allows individuals who are not married to become adoptive parents, provided they meet strict legal and social requirements.
Under current legislation, a single applicant must be at least 30 years old to be eligible for adoption. For married couples, the minimum age threshold is lower, at 25. In all cases, the age difference between the prospective parent and the child must be no less than 18 years.
Before approval, candidates undergo a comprehensive evaluation process. This includes medical and psychological assessments, verification of housing conditions, and mandatory training focused on parenting skills. Only after successfully completing these stages can applicants proceed to the child-matching phase, which is conducted through an electronic system designed to consider the interests of both the child and the prospective parent.
Once a child is placed in a family, the adaptation process is closely monitored. During the first three months, specialists carry out regular visits-up to three times a week initially, followed by weekly check-ins-to assess the child’s well-being and adjustment to the new environment.
Experts note that applications from single adults are assessed with particular care, given that the child will be raised by one parent. However, psychologists emphasize that emotional stability, consistency, and the ability to provide care and security are more important than marital status alone. In some cases, specialists point out, children may experience greater emotional support in a stable single-parent household than in families where such conditions are lacking.
According to official figures, 13 single adults adopted children last year, four more than in the previous year. Overall, a total of 149 children were placed into families in Azerbaijan during the same period, including both married couples and single parents.
