Menu
04/07/2006
Gay adoption laws to be reviewed
Gay and unmarried couples in Northern Ireland will be able to adopt children under proposals to overhaul adoption legislation.
The proposal which was unveiled today, revealed that couples who have gone through a civil partnership as well as unmarried couples, whether of a different sex or the same sex, will be able to adopt.
Health Minister Paul Goggins announced the proposal, which will put children's needs at the heart of the process.
Speaking as he launched the consultation document, 'Adopting the Future,' the Minister said it set out proposals for the changes needed to improve adoption services.
Key elements of the proposals include: new legislation which places the child at the centre of the process; comprehensive standards, guidance and training for agencies to ensure efforts are maximized to achieve the best results for children; introducing the principle that delay in decision-making is likely to prejudice the child's welfare; introducing statutory timescales for certain parts of the adoption process to avoid unnecessary delay at key junctures; legislation requiring courts to draw up timetables in adoption proceedings and give directions to ensure that they are adhered to.
Other Key elements include, Guidance for all those involved in adoption about the appropriateness of contact and the way in which it should be managed and reviewed; At all times, contact between the birth parent(s), siblings and the child will only take place where it is consistent with the child's welfare; Options to find a family for a child through a regional system where it has not been possible to do so locally.
Other changes include a ban on over-50s adopting children under three, apart from exceptional circumstances.
The number of adoptions in Northern Ireland has fallen significantly from a peak in 1970 of 554, to an average of around 150 per year.
Only 79 children were adopted from care at year-end March 2004 and for children adopted during 2003/04 the average duration from care to adoption order was 3 years and 10 months.
Barbara Hutchinson, Deputy Chief Executive of the British Association for Adoption & Fostering, said: "We are delighted that Northern Ireland has launched this important consultation."
She continued by saying that the existing adoption law was made at a time when society was very different and added that children of all ages who may have experienced neglect or abuse, need permanent families.
Ms Hutchinson concluded by saying that a lot of work had gone into the new strategy and that it shared similarities with changes in other parts of the UK, but also contained significant differences.
(EF/SP)
The proposal which was unveiled today, revealed that couples who have gone through a civil partnership as well as unmarried couples, whether of a different sex or the same sex, will be able to adopt.
Health Minister Paul Goggins announced the proposal, which will put children's needs at the heart of the process.
Speaking as he launched the consultation document, 'Adopting the Future,' the Minister said it set out proposals for the changes needed to improve adoption services.
Key elements of the proposals include: new legislation which places the child at the centre of the process; comprehensive standards, guidance and training for agencies to ensure efforts are maximized to achieve the best results for children; introducing the principle that delay in decision-making is likely to prejudice the child's welfare; introducing statutory timescales for certain parts of the adoption process to avoid unnecessary delay at key junctures; legislation requiring courts to draw up timetables in adoption proceedings and give directions to ensure that they are adhered to.
Other Key elements include, Guidance for all those involved in adoption about the appropriateness of contact and the way in which it should be managed and reviewed; At all times, contact between the birth parent(s), siblings and the child will only take place where it is consistent with the child's welfare; Options to find a family for a child through a regional system where it has not been possible to do so locally.
Other changes include a ban on over-50s adopting children under three, apart from exceptional circumstances.
The number of adoptions in Northern Ireland has fallen significantly from a peak in 1970 of 554, to an average of around 150 per year.
Only 79 children were adopted from care at year-end March 2004 and for children adopted during 2003/04 the average duration from care to adoption order was 3 years and 10 months.
Barbara Hutchinson, Deputy Chief Executive of the British Association for Adoption & Fostering, said: "We are delighted that Northern Ireland has launched this important consultation."
She continued by saying that the existing adoption law was made at a time when society was very different and added that children of all ages who may have experienced neglect or abuse, need permanent families.
Ms Hutchinson concluded by saying that a lot of work had gone into the new strategy and that it shared similarities with changes in other parts of the UK, but also contained significant differences.
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 July 2006
Children's views to help shape adoption strategy
Children who are adopted are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of adoption in Northern Ireland. Following the recent launch of the ‘Adopting the Future’ strategy, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety wants to hear the views of young people aged 12-18, who have been adopted within the last 10 years.
Children's views to help shape adoption strategy
Children who are adopted are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of adoption in Northern Ireland. Following the recent launch of the ‘Adopting the Future’ strategy, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety wants to hear the views of young people aged 12-18, who have been adopted within the last 10 years.
20 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
05 November 2013
'Age Myths' Preventing NI Adoption
Myths and misconceptions surrounding age may be preventing children across Northern Ireland from finding a permanent home, according to the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF).
'Age Myths' Preventing NI Adoption
Myths and misconceptions surrounding age may be preventing children across Northern Ireland from finding a permanent home, according to the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF).
15 November 2024
Man Extradited From US Over Historical Child Sex Abuse
A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of indecent assaults on a child in the 1970s. Damien Desmond Anderson, originally from L'Derry, was extradited from the US to face justice. He was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against a female who was 11 years old at the time of the abuse.
Man Extradited From US Over Historical Child Sex Abuse
A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of indecent assaults on a child in the 1970s. Damien Desmond Anderson, originally from L'Derry, was extradited from the US to face justice. He was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against a female who was 11 years old at the time of the abuse.
14 October 2019
More Adoptive Families Sought In NI
An urgent appeal has been issued for people in Northern Ireland to consider adoption. Some 21 children are currently on the register seeking adoptive placement, with 13 needing to be placed alongside a brother or sister.
More Adoptive Families Sought In NI
An urgent appeal has been issued for people in Northern Ireland to consider adoption. Some 21 children are currently on the register seeking adoptive placement, with 13 needing to be placed alongside a brother or sister.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
