‘Why leave a child hanging for years?’: Adoption challenges laid bare in local conference

In the heart of Valletta, at the historic Mediterranean Conference Centre, a sobering question echoed through the halls: “Why leave a child hanging for years in foster care when there are families ready to adopt?” This was the crux of the recent ‘Adoption Matters’ conference, organised by the Adoption Resources Centre, which brought together local and international experts to discuss the complexities and challenges of adoption in Malta.

Malta’s Adoption scene: A Tale of Two Systems

Malta’s adoption system is a blend of the old and the new. Until recently, adoptions were handled by the Church, with the government playing a minimal role. However, in 2016, the government took over the process, aiming to streamline procedures and increase transparency. Yet, challenges persist. “The transition has been rocky,” admits Dr. Maria Attard, Director of the Adoption Resources Centre. “We’re still grappling with backlogs and outdated processes.”

At the conference, Dr. Attard highlighted that while there are currently 30 children waiting for adoption, there are also 40 families approved and ready to welcome them. So, why the delay? The answer lies in a web of bureaucratic hurdles, legal complexities, and a lack of resources.

International Perspectives: Learning from Abroad

The conference also welcomed international speakers, including Dr. Susan Livingston Smith from the United States, who shared insights from her work with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. She emphasized the importance of speed and efficiency in the adoption process. “Children can’t afford to wait,” she said. “Every day that passes is a day they could be in a loving, permanent home.”

Dr. Smith’s presentation sparked a lively debate about the possibility of implementing an ‘Adoption Exchange’ in Malta, a system used in the US that matches waiting children with approved families in real-time. Such a system could potentially reduce the time it takes for a child to be adopted from years to months.

Local Voices: The Foster Care Dilemma

Foster care was another hot topic at the conference. Local foster parents and social workers shared their experiences, highlighting the need for more support and resources. “Foster care is a wonderful thing, but it’s also incredibly challenging,” said one foster parent, who wished to remain anonymous. “We need more training, more respite care, and better communication with the authorities.”

The conference ended with a call to action. Participants, including local politicians and child welfare advocates, pledged to work together to improve Malta’s adoption system. Dr. Attard summed it up: “We can’t afford to leave children hanging. We owe it to them to make the adoption process work.”