Netherlands Update (2021): Committee recommends Dutch government suspend intercountry adoptions

Family Formation

Feb 24

In February 2021, a committee appointed by the Dutch government to investigate intercountry adoptions issued a report that recommends suspending the same.

It states, "For too long, intercountry adoption has been viewed socially and politically as a laudable way to rescue children in need. In addition, it satisfied the desire for children among parents in the Netherlands. This prevailing view of “doing good” has prevented timely action against abuses."

"The committee defines ‘abuse’ as: acting, or failing to act, in a way contrary to applicable national and international laws and regulations, as well as acting, or failing to act, in a way which is formally not in conflict with applicable national and international laws and regulations but which, from an ethical viewpoint, is irresponsible. The committee encountered various abuses, from inaccurate documentation to child trafficking and baby farms." (p. 23)

You may read an English version of the full report here.

As a result, the Dutch government has temporarily halted intercountry adoptions. It froze applications for new adoptions.

The Netherlands is a treaty party to the Hague Adoption Convention.

Melissa Kucinski

Melissa Kucinski works with family lawyers to strategically resolve their clients’ complex international cases. A fellow of the AAML, the IAFL, and chair of international family law committees in the American Bar and New York State Bar Associations, Melissa is a respected colleague to have on any legal team. A former consultant for the Hague Conference on Private International Law, member of the Uniform Law Commission’s Joint Editorial Board on Uniform Family Laws, and member of the U.S. Secretary of State’s Advisory Committee on Private International Law, Melissa maintains a robust network to help her clients in international disputes.

https://mkfamily.law/