NEW LAWS OFFER HOPE FOR CHILDREN AND ADOPTERS

The recent implementation of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 has seen the most far-reaching changes in this area since 1976. Single people, couples with or without children, married or unmarried and more mature people can all now be considered as adoptive parents, offering new hope to all involved.

At the heart of the adoption law, which came into full force on 30 December 2005, is the recognition that all children deserve to grow up as part of a loving family who can help them flourish during childhood and beyond. Around the country around 3,000 children are waiting for a permanent home and these legislation changes now make it possible for more people to consider adoption. Unmarried couples may now apply jointly, for example, making sure that the child they adopt will have two full legal parents. The new laws also recognise that adoption is not right for all children who are unable to live with their birth parents and, a result, a new option of ‘special guardianship’ has been introduced. This arrangement enables a child to have a permanent relationship with their carer while preserving the basic link between the child and their birth family.

Crucial changes also mean that adoption is no longer characterised by stigma and secrecy. Adopted adults and birth relatives now have the right to apply for an intermediary service to enable them to establish contact, provided all parties are in agreement.

Other aspects of the legislation recognise the lifelong implication of adoption and make provision for adoption services, like those provided by the council, to be available to adoptive families to help them manage.

Councillor Patrick Joyce, Cabinet Member for Children said, “We are committed to ensuring that we meet the needs of children and young people on the island and these legislation changes enable us and other authorities to broaden our search for suitable adoptive families. We have a particular need on the island for loving homes for older children, sibling groups and children with special needs and our adoption service provides excellent support to adoptive families. We would urge you to contact the team”.


For more information about any aspects of adoption, please contact the Adoption Team, St James’s Centre, 4 and 5 St James’s Street, Newport PO30 5HE or telephone 814370 or 821000.

Click below to find out more about Adopting and the 2002 Act: