by Guisela Chiarella
Italy’s Constitutional Court has ruled that single individuals can now apply for international adoptions, a decision that expands eligibility beyond married couples for the first time. While the ruling does not guarantee adoption rights for single applicants, it removes legal barriers that previously limited the process to couples.
The decision has already had an impact. In our region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Juvenile Court of Trieste, which oversees adoption cases, has begun receiving inquiries from single applicants. “We have already received phone calls requesting information, and I anticipate direct applications from single individuals for international adoption,” said Alessandro Danieli, the court’s director.
Adoption applications in the region have declined since 2018, a trend attributed to financial burdens, shifting international policies, and instability in some countries. “Russia used to be a key country for international adoptions, but now most applicants look to Brazil and Latin America—regions that have recently tightened restrictions,” Danieli explained.
The adoption process in Italy remains lengthy and rigorous. Applicants must demonstrate both financial and emotional stability, undergo psychological and legal assessments, and complete extensive paperwork. International adoptions also require travel to the child’s country of origin.
Despite the expanded eligibility, the ruling does not mandate equal treatment of single applicants and couples. “The final decision rests with the judge,” said Gian Paolo Dolso, a constitutional law professor at the University of Trieste. “The court made it clear that giving preference to married couples is not unconstitutional. Judges will evaluate cases individually.”
Legal experts expect an increase in adoption requests from single individuals in the coming months, with courts determining on a case-by-case basis whether they meet the necessary criteria.
