‘Not enough Maltese kids are being adopted’ – Falzon

Tista' taqra bil- Malti.

Social policy minister Michael Falzon said that “the reality is that there are no local adoptions and there are several reasons for this despite the fact that we have changed the law”.

Appearing on Andrew Azzopardi’s talkshow on 103 Malta’s Heart, Falzon was quizzed about the recent case of of a family in Malta that returned three children adopted from India to the State, insisting they did not want to care for them any longer.

Falzon said the “exceptional” case was worrying, especially after the couple claimed that the behaviour of the children was “impossible”.

He added that when officials found out about the case, they did their utmost to find an alternative place for the children but Falzon admitted that there is much to be learnt from the case to ensure it doesn’t repeat itself.

Falzon said that this week Chapter 602 of the Constitution will be amended to strengthen the protection of minors and consequently the adoption laws will be improved.

Falzon also pointed out that adoptions of Maltese children were very few.

Moreover, foreign countries are refusing to allow adoptions to Malta and another, Falzon said, citing Croatia as an example of a country refusing to let children leave the country.

“Then there’s Slovakia who prefer the adoption of older children and Portugal from where we have had many success stories, including a couple who adopted three children. But the main country from which children are adopted is India,” he explained.

‘Children’s House underutilised’

Touching on the subject of Children’s House in Santa Venera, meant to serve as a safe space for children to testify during court cases over abuse or domestic violence, Falzon said that he would like to see the use of the residence “maximised.”

However, Falzon said children rarely testifying in the courtroom itself and explained that the residence was rented by a congregation of nuns and that it offers rooms according to the age of the children who have to testify.

He admitted that at the beginning there was resistance to the idea since the building is not located in Valletta but he stated that he would like to see it used more in the future.

Asked about the center outside the prison that is bringing together prisoners and their children in an alternative environment and whether they are being used enough, Falzon said that there are many logistical difficulties in the prison but he stated that he is working with the home affairs minister Byron Camilleri on this aspect.

“Children are part of today’s society and we must remember that the experiences we live when we are children affect our lives,” stated Falzon.