Malta gets its first adoption strategy (& it aims to tackle low local adoption numbers)
Measures have been implemented and research will be conducted soon.
A new National Adoption Strategy for Children and their Families has been launched to help local families in the adoption process. A total of 25 measures will be implemented in various sectors, including local adoptions, post-adoption services, the new reality of children searching for their origin and the development of professionals in this field.
Among other things, the Strategy will be tackling local adoptions, standards for which only came into effect last year. “Historically, the number of children adopted locally every year has been low in part because of legislative deficits,” the Strategy document states. “However, research is needed to see whether there are other factors, such as cultural or educational factors, that are influencing this phenomenon.”
This new Strategy will be tackling this issue through the Legal Office and the Regulations and Standards Office to “review and propose amendments to the Adoption Administration Act 2008 to cater in more detail for local adoptions and post-adoption services.”
“The Authority, through the Research Advisory Group, will undertake systematic research on local adoption of children that will help throw light on potential barriers – be they cultural, educational or of another nature.”
The new strategy will also be keeping the best interest of the child at heart, as well as children’s opinion, privacy, permanency, emotional stability and fulfilment of potential and equality, individuality and diversity.
Malta hasn’t had a very long history in the adoption field, with the first adoption law being approved in the 1960s, the Adoption Administration Act being drafted in 2008, and private adoption abolished in 2009. And it was only up until last year that cohabiting and same-sex couples were permitted to apply for adoption.
What do you think of this new strategy?