Unmarried couples, including same sex couples, could be allowed
to adopt in Scotland under changes to the law to be legislated on
next year.
The move is one of a list of recommendations put forward by the
Adoption Policy Review Group to overhaul Scotland's adoption system
following a dramatic fall in the number of adoptions from 1000 a
year 20 years ago to 400 a year today.
Another key recommendation is the introduction of new permanence
orders, intended to give long-term stability to children who cannot
live with their birth families but for whom adoption is not the
best option.
The group has also recommended a relaxation of the current
provision banning birth parents from applying to court for access
to an adopted child.
Deputy education minister Euan Robson promised a consultation paper
this summer based on the recommendations, which have been
overwhelming accepted by the Scottish executive in principle, to be
consulted on over a four-month period. This would be followed by
legislation "at the earliest opportunity next year".