The Armenian government has passed a decision to make changes in the procedure of adoption of children. In the words of minister of social security of Armenia Aghvan Vardanian, from now on foreign citizens wishing to adopt a child in Armenia will have to wait 6 months instead of the previous 3. Within that period priority opportunity to adopt the child will be given to citizens of Armenia. The passing of such a decision is due to the increase of the number of foreign citizens, who have addressed corresponding institutions to adopt a child from Armenian children's homes within the past year. Statistical data shows from the beginning of 2003 foreigners have adopted 76 Armenian children.