(L-R) Ministry of Health and Human Services Deputy Chief Officer Leonard Dilbert;
Ministry of Health and Human Services Chief Officer Diane Montoya; and consultant
Dr Winston McCalla.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services has conducted a comprehensive review of the current adoption legislation with assistance from overseas consultant and regional legal expert Dr Winston McCalla.

The goal is to evaluate the present law, make any necessary changes and develop accompanying regulations, the Ministry said.

“The care and protection of our children is a priority for our Ministry and we want to ensure that the Adoption Law is relevant to our Islands and focuses on the best interests of the child,” said Chief Officer Diane Montoya.

“Some of the issues we have to keep abreast of include, bringing the adoption legislation in line with the Children Law, the ability to access birth records in special circumstances, giving greater consideration to the child’s feelings and needs in regards to the adoption process, and the complexities of overseas adoptions.”

A workshop was also held at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort in order for Dr McCalla to meet with the major stakeholders and discuss the proposed amendments in detail. Feedback from the session has been incorporated in the draft report.

Participants included representatives from the Department of Children and Family Services, the Courts, General Registry, Adoption Board, Legal Department, Department of Counselling Services, Immigration, and the Governor’s Office.

Other initiatives that are currently being planned by the Ministry to improve the quality of care for children and young people include implementing the Children Law and the Convention on the Rights of a Child, and establishment of a Child Development Agency.