Ecuador Parliament Sets One‑Year Deadline for Adoption Process

The Ecuadorian National Assembly is set to approve a reform that caps the entire adoption procedure at a maximum of one year. The draft law, scheduled for debate on 28 July 2026, introduces strict timelines for each stage, including two months for the Specialized Police for Children to locate relatives, 45‑day periods for the Technical Adoption Unit to issue reports and declare candidate suitability, and a three‑day window for civil registration of the adoption decree.

The legislation also imposes penalties on judicial and public officials who cause unjustified delays, ranging from admonitions and fines of up to 10 % of salary for judges, to monetary sanctions of $100–$500 for other officials, with repeated offenses potentially leading to dismissal. Additional measures provide higher‑education scholarships and financial aid for youths leaving foster care. The reform’s sponsor, Diana Jácomo, president of the Commission of Transparency, Participation and Social Control, emphasized the aim to guarantee children’s right to a family and to streamline the system by eliminating duplicate procedures.

If enacted, the law would significantly shorten waiting times that have historically stretched over several years, ensuring a faster, more efficient adoption process for Ecuadorian families.