Reimbursement of Expenses incurred by Individuals Adopting Minors from Foreign Countries

Overview

A reimbursement of expenses incurred in the adoption process to be given to adoptive parents.

What you'll get

Parents adopting minors from foreign countries will be partially reimbursed for expenses incurred in the adoption process not exceeding €10,000.

Eligibility

This subsidy applies only for foreign adoptions which have been finalised from the 10th October 2017 onwards, even if the adoption process started prior to this date. An adoption is considered finalised only once the legal process is concluded in the Maltese Courts and a Court Decree is issued.

The reimbursement will cover, were applicable the below expenses:

• Expenses incurred by an individual or a couple to be recognised as prospective adoptive parents, including training, reports needed as well as tests and other documents are requested.

• Fees paid to translate documents as well as fees incurred for the legalisation of said documents as requested by the country from where the minor will be adopted.

• Interpreter fees and legal expenses, including Court expenses in the country of origin of the minor.

• Accommodation expenses should prospective parent/s be requested to visit the country of Origin. Such request may be made by local Courts or the authorities of the same country and expenses incurred must be directly related to the adoption process. The rates of this refund will be based on Government rates applicable for members of the public sector who travel abroad. These rates may be revised and amended from time to time.

• Flight expenses will also be covered should adoptive parents visit the country of origin as per request of the Courts or local authorities. The flight must be directly related to the adoption process and the refund covers up to an economy class ticket.

• One application should be submitted in cases were more than one minor is adopted, such as in the case of siblings.

• Other expenses related directly to the adoption process may also be refunded once reviewed by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS).

Required documentation:

• Applicants should submit original receipts of all expenses incurred based on the criteria mentioned above (eligibility) for which a reimbursement is being requested
• Applicants are requested to fill in a Declaration authorizing the FSWS to carry out necessary research and to verify information given with the Maltese Courts and with the offices of Identità Malta.
• Applicants must provide documents to prove their residency in the Republic of Malta.

How to apply

One may call the social workers of the Adoption Service at Aġenzija Appoġġ for further information or to make an appointment in order to submit the necessary documents, on telephone number 2295 9000. Applicants may submit the necessary documents every Tuesday between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm at:

Aġenzija Appoġġ
36, St Luke’s Road
G’Mangia PTA 1318

For a copy of the declaration, please click here.