23 families are on the adoption waiting list in the TRNC

The Director of the Social Services Department of Northern Cyprus, Alev Ecevit, said that as of today 23 families in the TRNC are officially waiting to adopt children. According to her, the candidate screening process is carried out very strictly for the safety of children and can take up to two years. One of the main criteria is the age difference between the adoptive parent and the child — it must be at least 18 years.

The country also has certified guardians (foster families). At the moment, 23 such families are caring for 31 children, receiving financial support from the state. In total, about 135 children in Northern Cyprus are under the care and patronage of social services, including the SOS Children's Village. Ecevit emphasized that after reaching the age of 18, the state continues to support the wards: it pays for housing rent and helps them find a job.