The Netherlands has announced a ban on its citizens adopting children from foreign countries, according to a recent statement by Franc Weerwind, Minister for Legal Protection. This decision is a response to a motion passed by the Dutch House of Representatives, instructing the government to develop a strategic plan to carefully reduce international adoptions.
The ban comes amid serious concerns raised by the Dutch House of Representatives on the feasibility of creating an abuse-proof public law system, despite numerous issues highlighted by the Joustra Committee in a 2021 report. The report concluded that the government had failed to combat adoption abuse and pointed out several malpractices.
It is also felt by the Dutch Government that international adoption is no longer a sustainable solution in protecting the interests of children. They argue that the best way to serve the interests of children is to ensure they can be protected safely in their country of origin.
International adoption has long been a controversial subject in the Netherlands, due in part to the fact that adopted children often struggle to discover their origins and identities due to falsified documents and incorrect information. The abuses being reported span a wide range – from parents being coerced into giving up their child, to instances of child trafficking.
In practical terms, the Dutch organisation Fiom, which manages international and domestic adoptions, can’t accept any new registrations for international adoption. However, procedures that are already underway will continue for the foreseeable future. Anticipated modifications will necessitate amending the law on international adoptions, with Weerwind aiming to establish a plan to gradually phase out international adoption by September. The proposed plan also needs to provide clear information for all ongoing international adoption procedures.