Η ΥΙΟΘΕΣΙΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΟΛΛΑΝΔΙΑ 3

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Evaluation: Age limit for adoptive parents to be set at 46 years

There is wide consensus for the existing age limit of 46 years for aspirant adoptive parents. This is one of the conclusions of the evaluation of the Placement of Foreign Foster Children Act (Wobka) that was submitted by Justice Minister Piet Hein Donner to the Dutch Lower House. The Act lays down the procedure to be followed for adoption. The evaluation shows that the monitoring of partial intermediary services can be improved and the researchers advise that adoptive parents should be given direct access to a national complaints committee for adoption. Partly as the result of the evaluation, Minister Donner will shortly submit a plan of action to the Lower House. He will then address the substance of the report.
The assessment was carried out by Adviesbureau Van Montfoort, a consultancy bureau, under the supervision of the Dutch Research and Documentation Centre (WODC). The researchers concluded that in general the Act offers sufficient guarantees that the interests of the child are considered paramount, as well as for sufficiently careful procedures in relation to parties involved in the adoption process.Furthermore, the tasks, powers and responsibilities of the organisations involved have been clearly defined in the Act.
Age limits

The evaluation report also indicates that there is a wide consensus for the existing age limit of 46 years for parents wishing to adopt a child. With regard to the adoptive child, the age of six years is considered to be the maximum age limit if the adoption is to have a good chance of success.
One-parent adoption

The researchers also conclude that the option provided by the Act in relation to one-parent adoption is being used to evade the age limit. This is being used by couples whereby one partner is too old to adopt a child. In cases of one-parent adoption, the researchers therefore suggest that the age limit should also apply to the partner with whom the adoptive parent enjoys a long-term, joint household.
Partial intermediary services

In addition to full intermediary services it is also possible to make use of partial intermediary services whereby much of the required procedures are arranged by the prospective parents, with support from intermediaries or organisations. The report shows that the Act can be improved in relation to this point, providing a better guarantee that the interests of the child are predominant throughout the adoption procedure. Interviews and an inquiry show that there are insufficient possibilities for monitoring what takes place during partial intermediary services abroad, making it impossible to exclude irregularities.The use of partial intermediary services has increased considerably in recent years. In April of this year, Minister Donner informed the Lower House about intensified supervision in this regard.
Complaints committee

The report advises that adoptive parents be given direct access to a national complaints committee for adoption. This is currently done through the intermediary organisation against who the complaint is directed.