Role of Central Authorities in International Adoption Procedures in Rotterdam
Central Authorities (CA) coordinate adoptions under the Hague Convention and ensure compliance. In the Netherlands, this is the CA-IKA at the Ministry of Justice and Security, which closely collaborates with Rotterdam institutions such as the Rotterdam District Court and the local Child Protection Board for regional handling.
Obligations of CA-IKA in Rotterdam Context
- Assess initial consent of adoptive parents, including screening by Rotterdam youth care partners.
- Check matching process with focus on cultural integration in diverse neighborhoods such as Rotterdam-South.
- Certify adoption documents in consultation with the Rotterdam population register.
- Report violations to convention countries and local authorities for swift intervention.
Interaction with Foreign CAs and Rotterdam Services
CA-IKA communicates directly with authorities in countries of origin for file consultations and reports. In Rotterdam, this is supported by the Municipal Family Guardianship Institution (GGI), and in case of violations, adoption can be halted with intervention by the juvenile court in Rotterdam.
Practical Tasks in Rotterdam
| Task | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Screening parents | Establish suitability with local psychological tests |
| File building | Complete documentation including Rotterdam residence verification |
| Post-adoption monitoring | Monitor integration via home visits in Rotterdam neighborhoods |
Sanctions for Non-Compliance in Rotterdam
Violation leads to fines up to €82,000 or withdrawal of consent, enforced by the Rotterdam Public Prosecutor. CA-IKA publishes annual reports on adoption statistics, with specific insights for the Rijnmond region.
In 2023, CA-IKA handled 250 files nationally, of which 35 in the Rotterdam region, with rejection in 15% of cases due to incomplete screening or insufficient local integration plans.