Adoption a Service for Children?

Abstract

March 1996 saw the long-awaited publication of the British Government's Draft Adoption Bill, broadly welcomed here by Caroline Ball. As she makes clear when outlining the historical context, there has been an urgent need for a radical review of adoption law for some time. However, a number of provisions in the Draft Bill may require amendment. Among the areas Ball suggests for revision are: aspects of the welfare principles; the criteria for dispensing with parental consent; orders for step-parents; and the use of residence orders as an alternative to adoption. The omission of any reference to the consideration of children's race and culture also comes under scrutiny. She concludes that only when such issues have been satisfactorily resolved can the Bill be truly celebrated as an important step toward meeting the diverse range of needs of children affected by adoption.

Regulating inclusivity: reforming adoption law for the 21st century

“…This Bill differed in significant respects from the White Paper proposals. Whilst there was a substantial degree of support for much of its content, key provisions attracted considerable criticism (Ball 1996; Lindley & Wyld 1996).…”

Regulating child care: from the Children Act 1948 to the present day

“…Inevitably, there is still un®nished business. Adoption law, despite the draft Bill published in 1996, remains in urgent need of reform (Ball 1996;Lowe 1997). The secure accommodation provisions in section 25 of the Children Act 1989 and section 21A of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 are as impenetrable and in need of clari®cation as ever (Smith & Gardner 1996).…”