What does revocation of international adoption entail for Utrecht?
Revocation of an international adoption involves undoing an adoption arranged across Dutch borders, specifically handled at the District Court of Midden-Nederland in Utrecht. This falls under Article 1:231 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), with additional attention to the 1993 Hague Adoption Convention. The procedure is complex due to the involvement of foreign authorities and possible repatriation of the child, in which Utrecht institutions such as the Child Protection Board play a crucial role.
The Family Law division of the Utrecht District Court strictly examines whether revocation is in the child's best interests, taking into account international obligations and local Utrecht guidelines for child welfare. Examples include cases of incorrect information provision by foreign authorities or failing aftercare, as recently seen in procedures involving adoptions from Asian countries.
Specific conditions in Utrecht
1. Hague Adoption Convention and Utrecht Central Authority
Revocation must not lead to injustices against the child. In Utrecht, the Central Authority for International Adoption coordinates via the Child Protection Board Midden-Nederland with the country of origin, including hearings at the court building on Hamburgerstraat.
2. Evidence and local procedure
There must be convincing evidence of gross violations, such as child trafficking or identity fraud. The opinion of the child over 12 years carries significant weight, often supported by Utrecht youth care workers. The procedure starts with a petition at the Utrecht District Court, followed by hearing and cross-examination in the presence of a juvenile judge. After the judgment, records are amended in the Utrecht civil registry and international registers. This process prioritizes children's rights, with attention to Utrecht's diverse society.