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

Imagine this: a child, eager to find their forever family, waits in limbo for years. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario, but a harsh reality faced by many children in Malta’s adoption system. At a recent conference, local experts and adoptees alike shared their experiences, painting a stark picture of the challenges that plague our adoption process.

Years of Waiting, Uncertainty

In Malta, the average wait time for an adoption can stretch to five years or more. This was a recurring theme at the conference, with adoptees and their families sharing stories of endless paperwork, bureaucratic hurdles, and heart-wrenching delays. One adoptee, now in their twenties, recalled, “I was six when I was first told I’d be adopted. I’m 26 now, and it still hasn’t happened.”

This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about lives on hold. “Every year that passes is a year of uncertainty for these children,” said Dr. Maria Attard, a psychologist who works closely with Malta’s adoption system. “They’re left wondering, ‘Will this be the year I find my family?'”

Lack of Awareness, Stigma

Another challenge highlighted at the conference was the lack of awareness about adoption in Malta. Many potential adopters are put off by misconceptions and stigma. “People often assume that adopted children come with ‘baggage’,” said conference speaker and adoptive parent, Joe Borg. “But every child deserves a loving home, no matter their background.”

Borg, who adopted his son through Malta’s adoption system, also touched on the lack of support for adoptive families. “We need more resources, more understanding, and more open conversations about adoption,” he said.

Systemic Changes Needed

Experts at the conference agreed that systemic changes are needed to address these challenges. This includes streamlining the adoption process, providing more support to adoptive families, and fostering a culture of awareness and acceptance around adoption.

Minister for Family and Social Solidarity, Michael Falzon, who attended the conference, acknowledged the need for change. “We’re committed to improving our adoption system,” he said. “We’re looking at ways to reduce wait times, increase support for adoptive families, and raise awareness about adoption.”

But change won’t happen overnight. It’s up to all of us – from policymakers to potential adopters – to push for progress. As one adoptee put it, “No child should have to wait years to find their family. It’s time we made that a reality in Malta.”