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10/05/2019
Consultation Launched On Proposed Changes To Adoption Policy
Members of the public and stakeholders in adoption services are being invited to submit their views to a consultation on the potential introduction of open or semi-open adoption in Ireland.
According to the Minister of Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone, open and semi-open adoption are terms which refer to the arrangements for information sharing between adoptive and birth families as well as an option for contact.
During the passage of the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 through the Seanad, the Minister accepted an amendment which provided for a review and public consultation to be undertaken on this issue. Initiated by the Minister in May 2018, the review will take account of a number of factors including the legal and constitutional issues in relation to the status of the family under the Constitution, the impact of the referendum on children's rights held in 2012 and international evidence regarding outcomes for children and families.
Minister Zappone commented: "This is a complex and sensitive issue. As we are in the early stages of having this discussion in Ireland, it is vital that we gain the views of those affected by adoption as well as other key stakeholders in order to find out what works best for children and families."
Interested parties and members of the public can fill out a questionnaire, accessible online between now and the beginning of June.
As well as seeking information and opinions in relation to a number of specific areas, the questionnaire provides space for individuals and organisations to submit their general views on open and semi-open adoption.
On 13 May, the Department will also host an Open Policy Debate to which key stakeholders, including adoption experts, service providers and groups representing children's rights and perspectives, will be invited.
"Adoption is a hugely significant event in the life of a child," the Minister concluded. "When considering any proposed change to adoption policy, we must be guided by what is in the child's best interests."
(JG/CM)
According to the Minister of Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone, open and semi-open adoption are terms which refer to the arrangements for information sharing between adoptive and birth families as well as an option for contact.
During the passage of the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 through the Seanad, the Minister accepted an amendment which provided for a review and public consultation to be undertaken on this issue. Initiated by the Minister in May 2018, the review will take account of a number of factors including the legal and constitutional issues in relation to the status of the family under the Constitution, the impact of the referendum on children's rights held in 2012 and international evidence regarding outcomes for children and families.
Minister Zappone commented: "This is a complex and sensitive issue. As we are in the early stages of having this discussion in Ireland, it is vital that we gain the views of those affected by adoption as well as other key stakeholders in order to find out what works best for children and families."
Interested parties and members of the public can fill out a questionnaire, accessible online between now and the beginning of June.
As well as seeking information and opinions in relation to a number of specific areas, the questionnaire provides space for individuals and organisations to submit their general views on open and semi-open adoption.
On 13 May, the Department will also host an Open Policy Debate to which key stakeholders, including adoption experts, service providers and groups representing children's rights and perspectives, will be invited.
"Adoption is a hugely significant event in the life of a child," the Minister concluded. "When considering any proposed change to adoption policy, we must be guided by what is in the child's best interests."
(JG/CM)
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