Compared to many countries, Albania’s number of waiting children is very small. Families are encouraged to keep their children and only relinquish them in exceptional economic, family or social circumstances.
There are various state and private orphanages in Albania each one having only 12-40 children residing there. As a result, the caregiver to child ratio is very favourable. It can range from 1:3 to 1:7. Children receive constant attention, and displays of affection are commonplace. A primary caregiver is typically the norm, as the staff at each of the orphanages understand that this promotes attachment and corresponding development. It is not the case that are children left unattended to because of insufficient staff or large numbers of children residing there. Caregivers are able to spend quality time with each child, and the results are evident in the children’s emotional, physical and social development.
Many of the orphanages receive humanitarian aid in the form of volunteers from England, France and the United States, to name a few, as well as social and financial assistance. All of this translates to the giving of better care, for children who have lived in an orphanage.
The children given for adoption are healthy. The age of the children referred at the time of referral, are in the 6-30 month range. Parents may not indicate a specific age within the range. Adoptive parents may, however, indicate gender preference in their application to Albania.