Adoption Action

The UK Government is to launch an adoption action plan during March 2012. The current system leaves many children waiting for years to be adopted, and would-be adopters disheartened and discouraged.

A system is needed which helps professionals to assess prospective adopters, with better analysis and less form-filling. It is hoped that procedures in future will be completed at speed and will encourage would-be adopters. It is hoped the action plan will slim down pre-adoption assessment and deliver additional adoption support.

Adoption is one of the best means of securing a permanent home, though not the only one. As an alternative to adoption special guardianship, residence orders and long term fostering should be considered to deliver the best outcome for the child.

Many children waiting for adoption never get adopted at present. Also many parents cleared to adopt, never get the chance. 

The importance of matching children with appropriate adoptive parents has been paramount.

When a successful match is made, parents and children have to endure an agonising wait, as the current process takes too long.

Unnecessary delay in adoption needs to be minimised both for children waiting for placement and for prospective adopters.

The complexities of adoption together with legislation need to deliver a system that protects vulnerable children. However without more money for preventative services and adequate social workers, little will change.

It is hoped that a significant and sustained improvement will follow, as a result of this proposed action plan.