Adoption laws to be strengthened, children’s interests safeguarded

Adoption laws will be strengthened to ensure that the children’s best interests are safeguarded, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said.

Muscat was speaking during the meeting he held with President of the Republic Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. Ministers and parliamentary secretaries were in attendance.

Coleiro Preca has made the protection of children a priority for her presidency. In light of the ongoing national discussions, including this evening’s vote in parliament on the civil unions bill, the President urged the Cabinet members to continue implementing reforms that protect the children.

“Children are our present and our future. Our structures must reflect this and their interests should be safeguarded at all times,” Coleiro Preca said.

A Bill to replace the Children and Young Persons Act, known as the Care Orders Act, has been presented in parliament. The Act establishes Child Court Services, introduces child protection orders, provides for special care and protection for children removed or separated from their parents and placed in out-of-home care.

The child court services will include child protection guardians.

Muscat said it will no longer be up to the politicians to decided on care orders, but the matter will be decided by the experts.

“It is time that certain decisions are not taken by the politicians but by the experts who understand the matter at hand and who follow the cases,” Muscat said.

He welcomed the concept of a “guardian” who’ll ensure that the rights of the child are safeguarded.

Hailing tonight’s vote in parliament as a “historic moment”, Muscat said Malta was making another step in ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against.

In a separate meeting with Gozo Bishop Mario Grech, Coleiro Preca reiterated her commitment towards being the voice of the vulnerable.

Welcoming her comments, Grech lauded Coleiro Preca for her “good values” and her support towards the most vulnerable.