Growing Up As an Adopted Person in Denmark

During the period 1985-2000, there were approximately 400-800 adoptions by parents where the child had no kinship or other relationship with its adoptive parents prior to the adoption (adoptions by strangers) in Denmark. By far the majority of children were adopted from other countries, but some were adopted from Danish parents.

This report investigates what it is like growing up as an adopted person in Denmark, with special focus on adoptions by strangers. The report describes the conditions for children and young people growing up in Denmark, as well as their situation as young adults.

The survey draws on register information and on interviews with young adults and adults who were adopted, and with their parents. The register data material contains information about children born between 1989-1994, including in particular the 3,180 persons, corresponding to 0.75% of all children from the relevant years, who were adopted by strangers. In addition, interviews were conducted with 18 young adults or adults who had been adopted, as well as nine adoptive parents from five different families.

The report was launched and financed by the Ministry for Children and Social Affairs.