European Convention on the Adoption of Children (Revised)

This Convention applies to the adoption of children who, at the time the adopters file a petition to adopt them, are under 18 years of age, are not…

Each State Party shall enact legislation or take other measures necessary to ensure that its legislation complies with the provisions of this…

An adoption is valid only if consent has been obtained for it from a judge or from an administrative authority (hereinafter referred to as the…

The competent authority shall only grant permission for adoption if it has satisfied itself that the interests of the child are best served by…

Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraphs 2 to 5 inclusive of this Article, an adoption shall be granted only if at least the consent of the…

If the consent of the child is not required pursuant to Article 5, paragraphs 1 and 3, the child shall be consulted as far as possible and his views…

The law shall provide that a child may be adopted:

The law may not permit an adopted child to be adopted again, except in one or more of the following circumstances:

A child may only be adopted if the adopter has reached the minimum age prescribed by law for that purpose, which may not be lower than 18 or higher…

The competent authority shall not grant consent for adoption until an adequate investigation into the adopter, the child and his family has taken…

By adoption, a child becomes a full member of the family of the adopter(s) and has, towards the adopter(s) and his, her or their family, the same…

The States Parties shall facilitate the acquisition of their nationality by children adopted by one of their nationals.

The number of children that may be adopted by an adopter may not be limited by law.

Only the competent authority may decide on the revocation or annulment of an adoption. The interests of the child shall at all times be the primary…

If the investigations pursuant to Articles 4 and 10 of this Convention relate to a person who resides or has resided in the territory of another…

Pending procedures for the establishment of paternity, or, if such a procedure exists, for the establishment of maternity, initiated by the presumed…

No one may derive any unjustified financial or other advantage from activities related to the adoption of children.

States Parties retain the possibility of adopting provisions which are more favourable to adopted children.

States Parties shall be free to prescribe that a child must be cared for by the adopter for a period long enough for the competent authority to be…

The public authorities shall ensure that the provision of information on adoption and post-adoption counselling is promoted and functions properly…

The States Parties shall ensure that social workers involved in adoption are appropriately trained regarding the social and legal aspects of adoption.

Arrangements may be made to complete an adoption procedure without the identity of the adopter being disclosed to the child's family of origin.

This Convention shall, in relation to the States which are Parties to it, replace the European Convention on the Adoption of Children, which was…

This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe and the non-member States which have participated in its…

After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may, after consultation with the Parties, invite…

Each State may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory…

Reservations to this Convention shall not be permitted, except in respect of the provisions of Article 5, paragraph 1, subparagraph b, Article 7…

Each State Party shall notify the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of the name and address of the authority to which petitions…

Any State Party may at any time denounce this Convention by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council of Europe, the non-member States which have participated…