Russia introduces mandatory psychological testing for couples wanting to adopt

Russia’s Ministry of Education and Science has announced that all Russian citizens who want to become a guardians or adoptive parents will have to pass psychological tests and undertake special educational programs, Russian website Gazeta.ru reports.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin signed an agreement with Russian government concerning issues of adoption and custody of children under 14 on May 18.

“Before the agreement was signed, these psychological tests and pedagogic programs for foster parents were voluntary. Now these inspections will be mandatory for all Russian citizens.” spokeswoman for the ministry Alina Levitskaya said.

“The number of adopted children returned to orphanages rises every year. We are trying to do our best to stop this increase.” Alina Levitskaya added.