Govt plans ‘radical’ overhaul of adoption legislation

The Gibraltar Government has published a Bill to “radically revise and modernise” the law in Gibraltar on adoption, the Gibraltar Government said.

No.6 Convent Place said Gibraltar's main adoption law, the Adoption Act, is over 70 years old and “no longer meets the needs of our society” or reflects modern adoption best practice.

“Discussion with the Care Agency and other stakeholders showed that our adoption laws should centre on the best interests of the child, including their right to identity and to maintain family connections, and to access information and support,” No.6 said in a statement.

The Bill aims to create a new system that protects the rights, best interests and welfare of children.

Under the new law, the paramount consideration in all decisions relating to all adoptions of children in Gibraltar and all adoption applications from persons resident and settled in Gibraltar who seek to adopt children living abroad will be, as under the Children Act 2009, the child’s welfare.

“I am proud to publish a Bill which updates the law in Gibraltar in such a vital and important area,” said Minister for Justice and Children, Samantha Sacramento, said.

“I have no doubt that the changes that this Bill brings will allow for the drastic improvement of the current adoption systems making it more efficient and transparent and placing the welfare of the children involved as the paramount consideration.”

“I would like to thank the Care Agency in particular for their time and expertise in identifying the areas that required change and for their positive engagement in working through the issues raised.”