Adoptive Parent and Child Age Difference Will Be No Less Than 18 Years

Recent amendments to the "Family Code" have established specific age restrictions for adopting a child. In particular, the minimum age difference between the adoptive parent and the child must be 18 years, with a maximum of 50 years.

According to Armenpress, this was stated by the Deputy Minister of Justice Suren Krmoyan during the presentation of the work done in the field of child protection within the framework of the "Family Code".

"Important provisions have been enshrined for adoption. Article 110 of the Family Code establishes the age restrictions for adoption. It specifies that the age difference between the adoptive parent and the child must be no less than 18 years and no more than 50 years. This is a very important provision that allows the adoptive parent to organize the upbringing of the child in the best interests of the child," said Krmoyan, adding that internationally accepted standards have been established.

Previously, there were no such age restrictions. According to Krmoyan, the child's interests were taken as the basis.

The law also stipulates that the adoption of children with intellectual and physical disabilities can only take place if the parents are capable of taking care of that child. The institution of direct adoption of a neglected child has been abolished, and the police are required to make efforts to find the child’s family within three months and to try to restore the family.

Krmoyan emphasized that another new provision enshrines measures to prevent abuses in this area. "Adoption with parental consent is only allowed if the adoptive parent is a stepparent or close relative. It is not allowed for a person to give consent for the adoption of a child by another person who is not a relative," he noted.

The deputy minister also stressed that there is currently oversight over adopted children. Previously, there were issues in this regard. Now, relevant social bodies are required to implement mandatory oversight of the adopted child. Furthermore, accountability has also been established.