Hague Adoption Convention Application: International Adoption in Tilburg
The Hague Adoption Convention (1993) regulates intercountry adoptions between contracting states. In the Tilburg region, the application of this convention provides safeguards for the child and adoptive parents through a standardized procedure.
Legal Basis
The application in the Netherlands, including Tilburg, is governed by:
- Act on the Admission of Foreign Children for Adoption (Wobka)
- Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (articles 1:227-1:230)
- Hague Adoption Convention 1993
Core Principles
1. Subsidiarity Principle
Intercountry adoption is only applied if domestic solutions in the country of origin are inadequate.
2. Central Authorities
In the Netherlands, this is the Central Authority for International Child Matters (CA-IKA), with local support via the District Court Zeeland-West-Brabant in Tilburg.
3. Automatic Recognition
A convention adoption is automatically recognized in all contracting states, including the Netherlands.
Procedure Overview
| Phase | Steps | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Course and screening at recognized agencies | 6-12 months |
| 2. Principle Consent | Application to CA-IKA | 3-6 months |
| 3. Matching | Matching child-parents | 6-24 months |
| 4. Adoption | Ruling by District Court Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100, Tilburg | 1-6 months |
Conditions for Adoptive Parents
- At least 18 years older than the child
- Psychological and medical suitability established
- Principle consent from CA-IKA obtained
- Mandatory preparation course completed
Costs
- Preparation course: EUR 1,500 - 2,500
- Mediation costs: EUR 10,000 - 20,000
- Country of origin costs: EUR 5,000 - 15,000
- Total: EUR 20,000 - 45,000
Local Assistance in Tilburg
For advice: Juridisch Loket Tilburg, Spoorlaan 364. They offer free initial assistance for adoption questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries fall under the convention?
More than 100 countries, such as Colombia, Thailand, China, India and South Africa. View the current list on the Hague Conference website.
How long does the process take?
On average 2-4 years, varying by country of origin and child availability.
Can single persons adopt?
Yes, if they meet Dutch requirements. Many countries of origin prefer married couples.
Is the adoption automatically recognized?
Yes, convention adoptions are directly recognized in all contracting states without additional steps.
Conclusion
The Hague Adoption Convention creates a transparent, child-centered framework for intercountry adoptions with automatic recognition. In Tilburg, the District Court Zeeland-West-Brabant and the Juridisch Loket support the process.