Adoption (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Overview

The Ministry of Social Development and Innovation invites members of the public and key stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed Adoption (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen the legislative framework governing adoption in the Cayman Islands.

The proposed amendments build upon the Adoption Act, 2024, which was passed by Parliament to modernise adoption procedures, strengthen safeguards for children and establish a framework for intercountry adoptions.

The Amendment Bill seeks to support the effective implementation of the 2024 Act by introducing additional powers for the Director of the Department of Children and Family Services, establishing clearer provisions for adoption-related fees, and clarifying court procedures and administrative requirements.

The proposed changes include provisions allowing the Director, in specified circumstances, to require prospective adoptive parents to attend parenting programmes and to require applicants or children involved in the adoption process to undergo medical or psychological examinations or assessments.

The Bill also provides for various fees that are to be prescribed in respect of matters relating to the adoption, empowering Cabinet to make regulations concerning fee reductions, waivers, refunds and exemptions.

These amendments are intended to promote a more effective, transparent and accountable adoption system that prioritises the safety, welfare and best interests of children.

The consultation provides an opportunity for the public to share views on the proposed changes before the legislation is debated in Parliament.

Scope of the Proposed Changes

The Adoption (Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes changes to strengthen the administration, oversight and implementation of the Adoption Act, 2024.

The consultation seeks views on the following key areas:

1. Strengthening Safeguarding Powers

Allowing the Director of the Department of Children and Family Services, where considered necessary, to require applicants to attend parenting programmes or applicants and children to undergo medical or psychological examinations or assessments during specified stages of the adoption process. In addition to, outlining certification requirements for intercountry adoptions, including certification of compliance with the applicable Convention.

2. Adoption-Related Fees, Fee Waivers and Exemptions

Introducing provisions for various fees to be prescribed in respect of matters relating to the adoption, empowering Cabinet to make regulations concerning fee reductions, waivers, refunds and exemptions from payment in specified circumstances.

3. Court Procedures and Administrative Requirements

Clarifying matters to be prescribed by Rules of Court and introducing documentation requirements for certain decisions involving the transfer or placement of children in the Department's care.

4. Specified Offences

Updating the list of specified offences under the legislation, including serious violent offences, offences against children, sexual offences and trafficking in persons.

Why your views matter

Your views matter because adoption decisions have lifelong implications for children, adoptive families and birth families. It is important that the legislation provides appropriate safeguards while ensuring that adoption procedures are clear, fair and responsive to the needs of children and families.

Through this consultation, the Ministry seeks to:

• Gather perspectives from prospective adoptive parents, foster parents, families, professionals, other stakeholders and the general public.
• Obtain feedback on the potential impact of the proposed powers
• Identify implementation challenges, unintended consequences or areas requiring clarification.
• Promote transparency and public participation in the legislative process. Public feedback will help inform the Ministry's consideration of the proposed amendments and support the development of an adoption framework that safeguards children's rights, welfare and best interests.

Public feedback will help inform the Ministry's consideration of the proposed amendments and support the development of an adoption framework that safeguards children's rights, welfare and best interests.

How Information Collected Will/Might Be Used

The Ministry of Social Development and Innovation welcomes feedback from members of the public, including prospective adoptive parents, foster parents, birth families, legal practitioners, social workers, child protection professionals, and other interested stakeholders.

Feedback received during the 28-day public consultation period will be reviewed and considered to assess the clarity, practicality and potential impact of the proposed amendments. Submissions will help the Ministry identify areas requiring further clarification, potential implementation challenges and any unintended consequences for children, families and professionals involved in the adoption process.

The information collected will be used to inform the Ministry's consideration of the Bill and any recommendations for revisions before the legislation proceeds through the relevant government approval processes.