Adoption and Children Bill
The Government announced the Adoption and Children Bill on March 15th, 2001.
Some of the major changes being introduced are in line with previous Government statements regarding:
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The adoption of children from overseas
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The creation of a register of approved adopters
-Ensuring decisions about children being considered for adoption are made more speedily.
A word of caution
The new Bill has been inroduced early, partly in response to the Kilshaw case and other adoption issues highlighted by the media in recent months. It is a matter of concern that rushed legislation may often result in “poor” legislation. We should all be very careful that this Bill does not become law until it has been thoroughly scrutinised. Adopted children and children who wait for adoptive families deserve the very best of our politicians.