The placement of children into foster care in Poland by foreign authorities

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cross-border placement of children is addressed by the 1996 Hague Child Protection Convention, which is binding on the United Kingdom, and in EU law. The detailed procedures are governed by the domestic law of each country involved. However, it was not until 2018 that proceedings for placement of children in foster care by foreign authorities were introduced to Polish law. The fact that cross-border placements have become increasingly common has contributed significantly to the enactment of the new law. The available official data indicate that the British and German authorities are the most inclined to place children with Polish citizenship in foster care in their homeland. Although the regulations introduced in 2018 concern the basic rights of children, they have not yet been presented in detail to the involved parties abroad, including British local and central authorities, judges and social workers. Their familiarity with the relevant provisions of Polish law can undoubtedly contribute to speeding up the proceedings and ensuring that their outcome is harmonious with the best interests of the child.