Phasing out international adoption

Document type: Web page copy

Publication date: 21 May 2024

Stichting Wereldkinderen has read the news about the latest developments regarding intercountry adoption. On Tuesday 21 May at 18:00 we received the documents that were shared with the First and Second Chamber from the Ministry of Justice and Security. In these documents, Minister Weerwind indicates that it is not possible to not implement the motion of 16 April or to implement it only to a limited extent. In contrast to the position that Minister Weerwind defended during the debate on 3 April, he has now decided to come up with a phase-out plan for intercountry adoption in the Netherlands in September. The minister indicates that intercountry adoption procedures that have already started will continue for the time being.

The minister has asked FIOM not to process any new registrations for intercountry adoption. Quote from the minister: ''The already planned information meeting will go ahead, but I have asked FIOM to explicitly state that it must be taken into account that a possible adoption procedure cannot be continued as a result of the phasing-out plan.'' In the phasing-out plan, the minister wants to keep the term limited. According to the minister, a change in the law is needed to facilitate the phasing-out. The country selection, as previously carried out, remains in force during this phasing-out. Since there is no longer a need for a central mediation organisation, the procedure for establishing IAN has been stopped.

In the interest of the child, the Wereldkinderen foundation believes that as long as there is a real need for intercountry adoption in the countries of origin, it should be possible for prospective adoptive parents in the Netherlands to give a child a loving home. We are convinced that this need still exists in the countries of origin. We know that there are parents who want to give children a loving home. We therefore find it very sad that the government no longer supports this international child welfare measure.

The decision to temporarily stop intercountry adoption in the Netherlands has consequences for the children in the countries of origin, but also for those involved in the Netherlands. Prospective adoptive parents are once again confronted with uncertainties. Adoptees and adoptive parents are confronted with possible doubts about their past. Those involved are confronted with questions from society. Stichting Wereldkinderen asks the Dutch government to do everything it can to offer these people the support they need.

For more information:

Countries: Netherlands

Organizations: Wereldkinderen aka NICWO