Adopted left with more questions than answers

Adoption & Society criticizes the National Board of Appeal's investigation of Colombia, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Once again, the National Board of Appeal is delivering a piece of work that leaves adoptees in a gray zone with more unanswered questions than answers.

On 14 March 2022, the National Board of Appeal's conclusions were published on a study of 4 former partner countries: Bangladesh, Colombia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

For 3 of the countries, the investigation has now been completed, while the National Board of Appeal continues its investigation of Colombia.

The National Board of Appeal writes in its introduction: “The investigation has not led to specific information that the adoptions to Denmark from the 4 countries in the years in question took place on an illegal basis. However, the National Board of Appeal cannot deny that the adoption agency may have been associated with illegal behavior. ”

One can read about disturbing conditions in the study. There is no doubt that the adoption system at that time was of a completely different nature than it is today. It must never ever be about anything other than the child's best interests, and the study clearly shows that other factors have been too important in the work. Of course, Adoption & Society distances itself from this!

Adoption & Samfund finds it reprehensible that the National Board of Appeal does not communicate more sharply to the adult adoptees who are affected by the investigation. What circumstances mean that the National Board of Appeal cannot reject illegal conduct? And conversely, what makes the National Board of Appeal unable to prove it if there is reason to do so?

Adoption & Samfund once again calls on the National Board of Appeal to take their conventional responsibilities seriously, and ensure a long-term, holistic solution, which ensures that all adoptees who may wish to do so can receive help.

What's going to happen now?

Neither the Minister of Social Affairs Astrid Krag nor the National Board of Appeal have said a word about what is to happen next. Is an aid system being set up for the adoptees, as was done for the Chilean adoptees?

We urge the Minister and the authorities to think bigger than allocating millions to embassies around the world. More than just legal help is needed. This calls for an interdisciplinary PAS system, and even though we already have a PAS offer in Denmark, it is not enough to handle the finishing work we now have in Denmark. More is needed!

Any questions can be directed to:

Ina D. Dygaard

2nd Deputy Chairman

Adoption & Society

E-mail: idd@adoption.dk

Tel. 2077 0670

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