On the Ground and Full of Hope: Why Now Is the Time to Consider Adoption from Bulgaria, Romania, and Portugal
Get the latest updates on international adoption opportunities from Bulgaria, Romania, and Portugal. Learn how Children’s House International is strengthening partnerships to build brighter futures for children.
From the Executive Director’s Desk: Strengthening Partnerships, Building Futures
By Debbie Price, Executive Director, Children’s House International
After more than 35 years of traveling throughout Europe to support international adoption, I’m continually reminded: there’s no substitute for being there in person. My recent visits to our programs in Portugal, Romania, and Bulgaria were no exception—they were filled with meaningful conversations, new opportunities, and growing hope for children who deserve forever families.
At Children’s House International, our work is built on strong relationships and personal connections. Sitting down face-to-face with government ministries, in-country partners, and local officials allows us to build trust, navigate changes, and move cases forward efficiently. While many agencies don’t prioritize this kind of travel, we believe that showing up matters—and it’s making a real difference.
“Showing up matters—and it’s making a real difference.”
– Debbie Price, Executive Director
Let me share some exciting updates from each country:
Bulgaria: More Waiting Children, More Hope
Bulgaria is seeing positive shifts in its adoption landscape, and we’re thrilled about the impact this can have on waiting children. Recent changes in the country’s system are opening the door for more children to be matched with international families.
We work with six outstanding adoption foundations in Bulgaria, all deeply committed to the well-being of each child. These trusted partners are professional, compassionate, and closely aligned with our values.
If you’ve been thinking about adopting from Bulgaria, now is the time to act. Start your dossier and take the first step toward welcoming a child into your home. You could be part of this new wave of hope!
Romania: Heritage Adoptions Gaining Momentum
Romania holds a special place in our hearts, and it was a privilege to meet directly with officials from the Ministry during my visit. These in-person conversations continue to strengthen our cooperation and result in faster, smoother case processing for families.
We’re excited to be submitting a new family for registration this month. If you have Romanian heritage, you may be eligible to adopt through Romania’s heritage adoption program.
If this opportunity speaks to you, please reach out. We would be honored to walk with you through every step of the process.
Portugal: A Strong Program with a Big Heart
Portugal continues to stand out as one of the strongest adoption programs in Western Europe. The need is real—many children are waiting for permanent, loving families—but so is the responsiveness and dedication of the Portuguese government.
The leaders of the country’s adoption department are professional, passionate, and deeply committed to finding the right family for every child. The collaboration between government entities and non-governmental organizations in Portugal is truly something special.
If you’re open to adopting from Portugal, now is a wonderful time to begin learning more about the process and how we can support you.
Final Thoughts: Building Futures, Together
Every trip reaffirms why we do this work—and why your support matters. These visits strengthen our partnerships and renew our shared mission to bring children into safe, loving homes.
So if you’ve been praying about adoption, researching international programs, or simply waiting for a sign—this is it. Let this be the moment you take that first step.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we are not just building families—we’re building futures.
Contact us: easterneurope@chiadopt.org
With gratitude,
Debbie Price
Executive Director, Children’s House International