What does revocation of international adoption in Amsterdam entail?
Revocation of an international adoption in Amsterdam involves undoing an adoption arranged across borders, often via the Amsterdam District Court. This falls under Article 1:231 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), with strict compliance with the 1993 Hague Adoption Convention. The procedure is complex due to the involvement of foreign authorities, repatriation, and the role of the Amsterdam Central Authority for International Adoption.
The Amsterdam District Court strictly assesses whether revocation serves the child's best interests, taking into account local expertise in multicultural cases and international obligations. Examples from Amsterdam cases include incorrect information from agencies in countries such as China or Ethiopia, or failing aftercare by adoption agencies in the region.
Specific conditions in Amsterdam
1. Hague Adoption Convention and Central Authority
Revocation must not cause irregularities against the child. In Amsterdam, the Central Authority, located in the region, coordinates with the country of origin, including consular support via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. Evidence and local procedure
Convincing evidence of gross violations is essential, such as child trafficking, identity fraud, or deception by intermediaries. The opinion of the child over 12 years weighs heavily, often with input from Amsterdam youth care agencies such as Bureau Jeugdzorg Amsterdam.
The procedure starts with a petition to the Amsterdam District Court (family law section), followed by hearing and cross-examination with possible expertise from the Child Protection Board North Holland. After the judgment, records are amended in the Personal Records Database (BRP) and international registers. This process prioritizes children's rights, with attention to Amsterdam's diverse adoption practice.