News item | 02-11-2022 | 12:00
It is still possible to adopt a child from the Philippines, Hungary, Lesotho, Taiwan, Thailand and South Africa. Cooperation with these countries is intensifying, which benefits the procedures to be conducted. A decision on the cooperation relationship with Bulgaria and Portugal is expected in the first quarter of 2023 after further investigation by the Central Authority for International Children’s Affairs. The adoption relationship with the United States, China, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Peru, Columbia, Burkina Faso and Haiti is being phased out.
The cooperative relationship with countries of origin has been assessed on the basis of a number of criteria. This choice was made on this basis. Among other things, we looked at the necessity and need from the country of origin for intercountry adoption, the way in which care is sought in one’s own country and the security situation. The fact that an adoptive relationship is being phased out does not mean that abuses have been discovered or are suspected. The basic principle is that the procedures for those prospective adoptive parents whose file has already been submitted in the country of origin can be continued. The Central Authority will consult with these countries about this.
Minister Weerwind: “In the recent period, important steps have been taken in the field of intercountry adoption. Now that it is clear from which countries intercountry adoption will remain possible and which not, information and information meetings will follow and family surveys will be resumed. This will bring an end to an uncertain time for those involved.”
Domestic Distance and Adoption
On October 1, the investigation into domestic distance and adoption was installed. The committee, chaired by Professor Micha de Winter, will investigate the history of domestic distance and adoption in the period between 1956 and 1984. The role of the government will also be examined in this regard. The committee expects to have completed its investigation before October 2024.