Adoption in Malta: The Long Wait for Children

Imagine this: a child, eager and hopeful, waiting for years to find their forever family. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario, but a reality faced by many children in Malta’s adoption system. At a recent conference, the question on everyone’s mind was, “Why leave a child hanging for years?”

Malta’s Adoption scene

Malta, with its Mediterranean charm and vibrant culture, is home to around 50 children waiting for adoption, according to the latest figures from the Adoption Resource Authority (ARA). While this number may seem small compared to other countries, for those 50 children, it’s a significant wait that can stretch into years.

Take, for instance, the case of Maria*, a 12-year-old girl who has been waiting for over four years. She’s not alone. There are children as young as four and as old as 17, all hoping for a loving home. The question is, why does it take so long?

Challenges in the System

At the recent conference, “Adoption in Malta: Challenges and Solutions”, held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, professionals and advocates discussed the hurdles in Malta’s adoption process. The main issues? Lack of awareness, stigma, and a complex legal process.

Dr. Maria Attard, a psychologist specializing in adoption, explained, “Many people don’t understand the adoption process or the needs of adopted children. There’s also a stigma attached to adoption, which can deter potential parents.”

Legal complexities also play a role. Malta’s adoption process involves multiple stages, including court approvals and international checks, which can delay the process. the lack of post-adoption support can be a deterrent for potential parents.

Local Initiatives and Solutions

Despite these challenges, there are beacons of hope. Local NGOs like Adopt a Child Malta and the Foster Care Association are working tirelessly to raise awareness and support families. They’re also advocating for policy changes to streamline the process.

For instance, Adopt a Child Malta is pushing for a ‘fast-track’ system for urgent cases, like those involving siblings who need to stay together. They’re also advocating for more post-adoption support to help families navigate the unique challenges of adoption.

At the conference, Minister for Families, Children’s Rights and Social Welfare, Franċesca De Rohan, acknowledged these challenges and committed to working with stakeholders to improve the system. She said, “We need to do more to ensure that every child in Malta has a loving, stable home.”

But change won’t happen overnight. It requires collective effort from the government, NGOs, and the public. As Dr. Attard puts it, “Adoption is a journey, not a destination. It’s about giving a child a chance at a loving family, and that’s worth fighting for.”

So, let’s not leave Maria and the other children hanging. Let’s roll up our sleeves, tackle these challenges head-on, and ensure that every child in Malta finds their forever family.