Inhoudelijke terugblik INEA-congres 2024: dag 1

Transformative Justice

The first day of the congress focused on the theme of ’transformative justice’ in relation to adoption. Within this theme, diverse ways in which adoptees and other members of the adoption triad can receive recognition and restoration for past adoption injustices were explored.

Keynote presentation

The day started with a presentation by Elvira Loibl, lecturer in criminology and criminal law at Maastricht University. Loibl is currently researching the intertwining of illegal adoptions and justice, exploring ways to restore the caused damage.

Elvira Loibl started discussions with a thorough exploration of illegal international adoptions, highlighting the UN declaration of September 2022. This declaration emphasized that such adoptions may violate international laws against child abduction and human trafficking and may even violate the prohibition of enforced disappearances. By examining illegal intercountry adoptions in the context of the criteria for enforced disappearances, Loibl emphasized the implications for the victims, in line with the 2010 International Convention. Loibl’s argument went beyond just legal aspects and touched on the fundamental changes in perception that would occur by labelling illegal intercountry adoptions as enforced disappearances. This reclassification, she argued, would bring about a change in thinking and lead to recognition of these practices as serious human rights violations. Emphasizing this reclassification called for in-depth research, accountability, and restoration by the involved states, aiming to ensure justice and protection for the adoptees.

Her analysis extended beyond just the legal aspects and addressed broader issues of ethics, justice, and human rights. It emphasized the need for deep reflection on intercountry adoption practices and the responsibility of states to protect those involved.

Panel discussion

Following Loibl’s presentation, there was a panel discussion on the theme of ’transformative justice’ in relation to adoption. Panellists, including Patrick Noordoven, Amanda Baden, Elvira Loibl, Mark de Hek, Sophie Withaeckx, and Nicole Immler, discussed obtaining recognition and restoration for past injustices within adoption. From various perspectives such as psychological, pedagogical, ethical, sociological, legal, and criminological, the concept of ’transformative justice’ was approached.

The discussion addressed improving the adoption system and ensuring the rights of adoptees, including government compensation for search costs and addressed the positive perception of adoption in society. It was emphasized that adoptive parents should reflect on their role and that adoptees have the right to recognition, access to their adoption records, and financial support in searching for biological family. The discussion highlighted the need for individual and systemic changes to ensure the rights of adoptees. The discussion also focused on the impact of adoption on the identity of adoptees and the responsibility of stakeholders, particularly the government and adoption agencies, to recognize and address these identity losses. The importance of legislative and structural changes to protect adoptees and ensure their right to identity was also emphasized. In summary, the discussion stressed the need for changes at both individual and systemic levels to ensure the rights of adoptees.

Abstract sessions

Researchers and professionals presented their own scientific research in these sessions. A central theme running through the presentations was the importance of the right of the child and the need to reform adoption processes to better safeguard this interest. This included adoptees’ right to access information about their origins, such as family background and medical history. Additionally, emphasis was placed on providing adoption-focused therapy and support to adoptees, where understanding of attachment theory and modern concepts such as neuro-informed work were crucial. Another important topic was the need to improve adoption practices and address illegal practices. This included recommendations for adoption reforms, improved aftercare, and measures to prevent abuse in international adoption. At the same time, it was also emphasized that more research was needed on the long-term effects of adoption, both for adoptees and biological parents. This included research on the impact of early institutionalization, the experiences of adoptees of colour, and the socio-cultural experiences of adult children of adoptees. In summary, the abstract sessions offered a wide range of insights and recommendations for improving international adoption practices and supporting all involved in the adoption process.

“It is important that physical gatherings like these are organized to come together. After presenting my research, many people approached me expressing their interest in participating in my study about racialization and the development of racial literacy among transnational adoptees of colour in the Netherlands.” – Researcher and workshop leader

Closing art performance

Half a lifetime ago, artist José Montoya was adopted from Colombia. He knows nothing about the beginning of his life. Does he truly exist if he knows nothing? He feels incomplete and sets out in search of answers. For our closing session, Montoya performed a monologue named ‘Grief,’ on the definition of grief and how it relates to him as an adoptee.

“I was pleased to see that there was so much research focussing on adult adoptees, not just on the children” – Attendee