This document discusses the means by which the Council for the Administration of Criminal Justice and Youth Protection in the Netherlands (the Council) can provide the highest level of protection for children placed in the intercountry adoption focus group. In doing this, the Council hopes provide an answer as to what intercountry adoption scenario is preferable.
The Council notes a sharp decline in the number of intercountry adoptions into the Netherlands over the past ten years. The report states that the positive aspect of intercountry adoptions is that children are removed from institutional care and placed with families. Being with families has demonstrated a more positive outcome than remaining with institutions. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that intercountry adoption negatively affects the advancement of youth protection systems in the home country.
This report states that the Council prefers placement of a child in the country of origin. The document continues by stating that this dilemma is complex. While the Council prefers placement of a child within the country of origin on a micro level, there are strong arguments against it on a macro level. The Council believes that intercountry adoption itself creates the supply of children in children’s homes. The Council notes that having children adopted impairs the youth protection system. The Council believes there should be a shift in focus to advancing youth protection systems.
