Boy who was adopted in Indonesia remains in legal limbo

A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy, originally adopted in Indonesia by an Irishman and his wife, remains in legal limbo this weekend as officials in Dublin and Jakarta continue their efforts to resolve the matter.

While the legality of the adoption of Tristan Dowse has yet to be ruled on by the Indonesian courts, officials here are attempting to clear the way for his re-adoption.

“We are writing to the Ministry of Social Affairs in Indonesia to request a report on the boy’s condition and circumstances and to advise on his re-adoption,” Adoption Board registrar Kiernan Gildea confirmed. The boy retains his Irish citizenship and passport despite being returned to an orphanage by his adoptive parents Joe and Lala Dowse, who claimed the adoption was not working out.

Mr Gildea said the board would also be advising the solicitor representing the Dowse’s regarding the need for them to apply to the High Court to have Tristan’s adoption removed from the foreign registrar.

“We’ve invited the solicitor for the Dowse’s to meet with the Adoption Board to advise on the options available to the couple,” he said.

Under Section 15 of the 1998 Adoption Act, he can’t be re-adopted without his family making an application to High Court to have the adoption cancelled. This can only be done if the High Court deems it is in the child’s best interest.