In Estonia, the Social Insurance Board reported a decline in the number of children placed in foster care and those adopted last year compared to previous years. By the end of 2025, there were 725 children living in substitute and family homes, a slight increase from 714 in 2024, indicating a trend of more children and youth relying on alternative care systems even as adoption rates fall. Approximately 70% of these individuals are over the age of 12, suggesting a growing need for support among older youths in the care system.

The report highlighted that the number of children placed in foster families plummeted to 36 in 2025, representing a nearly 25% decrease from the 47 placements in 2024. The majority of these children were under five years old, comprised of 22 younger children. Interestingly, the gender distribution showed a minor imbalance with more boys (20) than girls (16) being placed into foster care during this period. This points to potential hotspots for intervention and recruitment of more foster families.

Additionally, adoption figures pointed to a sharp decline, with only 27 children adopted last year. The families that adopted varied widely, including single parents and various same-sex couples, reflecting changing societal norms in family structures. The drop in new applications for foster care and adoption signifies a troubling trend that may require governmental focus to reverse, potentially addressing the challenges faced by prospective guardians and the needs of vulnerable children in Estonia's adoption and foster systems.