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Story published on October 10, 2002
Results of adoption review published
A fundamental review of the adoption process has identified the promotion of best practice and encouraging consistency between adoption agencies across the country as key challenges.
The government review, which took place from April - September 2002, also recognises the important role that adoption panels play in the adoption process. It identifies difficulty in the recruitment and retention of panel members as the key issue faced by adoption panels.
The consultation exercise on the outcome of the review sets out for discussion a number of proposals to tackle this issue. This includes proposals:
The review is part of a programme of ongoing work on adoption services, which has already led to the development of new adoption legislation, new National Adoption Standards and the introduction of a national adoption register. The outcome of this review is subject to consultation.
Health Minister Jacqui Smith said:
"We propose to introduce greater consistency in the assessment of prospective adopters, establishing a common framework which will form the basis of these assessments throughout all adoption agencies."
"This new assessment process will ensure that all prospective adopters are treated in a fair and transparent way."
Subject to the outcome of consultation and the successful passage of the Adoption and Children Bill, which is currently before Parliament, the intention is that changes to the current system of adopter assessment and adoption panel operation will be implemented in 2004 as part of the wider implementation of the Adoption and Children Bill.
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