Families need more support when adopting, says House of Lords

Giving adoptive parents and adopted children extra support to be made a legal requirement, according to a new House of Lords report

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06 March 2013

Adoptive parents may need to provide extra care for their children, especially if they have experienced neglect or abuse, and should be given more support under law.  

In a report published today the House of Lords Committee on Adoption Legislation recommended that every school should designate a teacher to take responsibility for pupils who have been adopted.

The Lords also recommend that social workers are trained to understand the importance of early decision-making about young children’s future care on a case-by-case basis. For example, is adoption is the right solution for every child or should special guardianship be considered?

Adopted children’s chance to have a loving, well-supported family life should not be compromised by the Government’s focus on increasing the number of adoptions in the UK, says the report.

Baroness Butler-Sloss, Chairman of the Committee, said: ‘Whilst we fully support the Government’s aspirations, we believe that more can be done to improve the process, support those involved and ensure the right outcome is achieved for children.’

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