Ambon Social Agency opens adoption pathway for abandoned babies under proper procedures
The Social Agency (Dinsos) of Ambon City, Maluku, is opening opportunities for members of the public who wish to adopt an abandoned baby, but the adoption process must be carried out through selection, assessment and applicable legal procedures.
“The baby who was previously found abandoned has now been handed over to the Ambon City Social Agency by the police and Al Fatah Hospital to receive care and protection,” said Head of the Ambon City Social Agency Wendy Pelupessy in Ambon on Monday.
He said the baby can later be handed over to prospective adoptive parents after undergoing a strict selection and assessment process.
“Indeed, many people need a baby, many who do not have children want to adopt a baby. But all of that must be in accordance with the criteria and procedures that adoptive parents must meet,” he said.
After the selection process is carried out, prospective adoptive parents will undergo a three-month period of observation, monitoring and evaluation. This process is carried out to ensure the care conditions and readiness of prospective adoptive parents in meeting the needs and rights of the child.
Furthermore, the child’s status will be processed through the courts in accordance with applicable provisions. Determination as a child of the state is part of the stages before the adoption process can be officially established.
“After that, we still have to wait for a hearing for the adoption ruling. Usually the ruling is made according to the existing court schedule, so it is possible that the adoption ruling process can only be carried out next year,” he explained.
The appeal was made after many members of the public expressed a desire to adopt the baby following the emergence of the baby abandonment case.
According to him, this situation shows that many people still have concern and a desire to provide care for children who need protection.
He reminded parents who are in a condition of being unable to care for their children not to take actions that endanger the baby’s safety, including abandoning or discarding the child.
“Rather than throwing the child in a rubbish bin, it is better for parents to come to the Social Agency. We can help find prospective adoptive parents through the applicable procedures,” he said.
According to him, every child has the right to life, to receive protection and to have a proper future after being born.
“Children do not want to be born and then thrown away. They have the right to life because they have been born,” he said.