13 Maltese children adopted in five years
13 children adopted by Maltese parents since 2009, family minister says.
A total of 13 children were adopted by Maltese parents since 2009, family and social solidarity minister Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said.
Replying to parliamentary question today, Coleiro Preca explained that since the adopted children's' age was unknown, the statistics refered to persons under 18 who were adopted by Maltese parents.
The highest number of adopted children was reached in 2009, with six Maltese children adopted. In 2010 a further three children were adopted, while in 2011 only one child born in Malta was adopted.
Last year three minors were adopted, while no Maltese child was adopted this year.
The minister explained that the statistics do not necessarily match with the figures available at Court since Maltese parents adopting their own children do not do so through governmental agency Appogg.
She also added that the Appogg statistics do not include any possible adoptions through private agencies.