What does revocation of international adoption in Rotterdam entail?
Revocation of an international adoption in Rotterdam involves undoing an adoption arranged across Dutch borders. This falls under Article 1:231 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), but requires additional attention to the 1993 Hague Adoption Convention. The procedure is more complex due to the involvement of foreign authorities and possible repatriation of the child, with the Rotterdam District Court playing a central role in this port city with many international connections.
The Rotterdam District Court strictly examines whether revocation is in the child's best interests, taking into account international obligations and the diverse population in the region. Examples include cases of incorrect information provision by foreign agencies or failing aftercare, as seen in recent cases at the Rotterdam family court.
Specific conditions in Rotterdam
1. Hague Adoption Convention
Revocation must not lead to injustices against the child. The Central Authority must be involved for coordination with the country of origin, and in Rotterdam there is often collaboration with local youth care agencies such as Bureau Jeugdzorg Rotterdam for additional support.
2. Evidence
There must be convincing evidence of gross violations, such as child trafficking, identity fraud, or deception in the adoption procedure. The opinion of the child over 12 years weighs heavily, and the Rotterdam court employs a multidisciplinary approach with input from psychologists and youth judges.
The procedure starts with a petition to the Rotterdam District Court, followed by hearings in the imposing courthouse on Pieter de Hoochstraat. After the judgment, records are amended in the registers of the municipality of Rotterdam. This process prioritizes children's rights above all, with attention to the multicultural context of the city.