Introduction
Despite widespread use, adoption practice between countries varies. There are overarching common principles that govern practice as set out in the U.N Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, however at a practice level domestic and inter country adoption is subject to the socioeconomic, legal and cultural contexts of each country.
Whilst there is much research and literature on adoption, it is notably from a developed nation/Western perspective. This regional workshop aims to provide a localised platform for knowledge sharing specifically amongst adoption practitioners in South East Asia. The Workshop seeks to specifically facilitate discussion on similarities/commonalities and challenges in practice from a child-centred perspective. Focus will be on all stages of the adoption continuum, including why and how children become separated from family and come to need alternative care such as adoption and how adoptions arrangements are made in the different Asian countries represented.
Given the permanent nature of adoption it is imperative that decisions regarding its arrangement are made with the best interest of children at the centre. This workshop provides a unique opportunity for regional practitioners to come together and share on adoption practice as well as reflect on current existing capacities in providing other ‘family-based alternatives’ for a child.
The Workshop will provide an opportunity for skill-building and networking for representatives of the 11 countries considered (Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, South Korea & Japan). It is envisioned that the Workshop will provide the foundation for a localised Asia Care Network to champion family-based care options for children whilst calling on the de-institutionalization of residential care for children across the region.
Core Assets, supported by the Nippon Foundation and in collaboration with the Philippines Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW), Inter-Country Adoption Board and local adoption partners will host the Regional Workshop on Adoption Practice in Asia at the Cocoon Boutique Hotel / Quezon City, Philippines on 17 & 18th May 2017. The Programme is attached for reference.
