Namibian Minister Opposes InterCountry Adoption UPDATED
“Defence Deputy Minister PETRUS IILONGA of NAMIBIA says he is concerned about allowing inter-country adoption of children.
He says allowing children to be adopted by foreign nationals is not in the best interest of the child, as there is no way of monitoring the safety of the adopted youngster.
Deputy Minister IILONGA says NAMIBIAN children should be raised in NAMIBIA rather than being sent to foreign countries, where their safety and well-being are not guaranteed.
He emphasises the need to maintain the culture of extended families, to ensure if a child is orphaned a relative can take care of him or her.
The Cabinet member made the comments when he was contributing to the debate on the Child Care and Protection Bill in the National Assembly.
Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture Deputy Minister JULIETA KAVETUNA has also welcomed the provision to allow social workers to intervene in custody cases.
She says such an arrangement will help ensure the best interests of the child are treated as a priority.
Deputy Minister KAVETUNA says in most cases, a parent with the financial means to afford legal fees wins custodial rights.
Information and Communication Technology Deputy Minister STANLEY SIMATAA says there is need for the Public Service Commission to make salaries of social workers attractive, for more young people to join the profession.
The NAMIBIAN Deputy Minister says improved conditions of service will help deal with the acute shortage of social workers in NAMIBIA.”
NAMIBIAN MINISTER OPPOSES INTER-COUNTRY CHILD ADOPTION[SABA 10/3/14]
REFORM Puzzle Piece
Update: DOS has issued a notice found here: “Notice: The Hague Adoption Convention Enters into Force for Namibia on January 1, 2016
The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Convention) will enter into force for Namibia on January 1, 2016. On December 9, 2015, the Department of State received notification that Namibia had deposited its instruments of accession to the Convention. The Department is currently working to determine whether it will be able to process intercountry adoptions from Namibia once the Convention is in force.
The Department of State will provide a subsequent notice with its determination about Namibia.
Before pursuing an intercountry adoption from Namibia, U.S. prospective adoptive parents should check adoption.state.gov for updated information on the United States’ determination. Results will impact whether or not a U.S. prospective adoptive parent can complete the immigration process for an adopted child from Namibia after the Convention enters into force for Namibia. U.S. prospective adoptive parents who began the adoption process in Namibia prior to January 1, 2016 may contact the Department of State at adoption@state.gov. ”
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