News

News is not usually good news in social care. One doesn't have to be a pessimist or a cynic to understand why the correspondence pages of this magazine often reflect anxiety, anger, frustration and opposition to much of what is happening.

But credit where it is due. There are things that can restore one's faith in politicians and in the power of argument, reason and persuasion. Last month, the House of Lords supported a government amendment to the Adoption and Children Bill that will give birth relatives the right to ask for an intermediary service, so they can let the adopted adult know of their interest for contact. Until that amendment such a facility was to be available only for those adopted after the bill's enactment, now all those affected by adoption will benefit.


This right to an intermediary service has long been fought for. For more than 10 years birth relatives, adoption professionals and self-help organisations have supported modernising adoption law to address the life-long needs of people affected by adoption.

The change in legislation will end the misery of thousands of birth relatives who have never known whether the son or daughter, brother or sister placed for adoption is alive, well and happy. The amendment allows registered adoption-support agencies to act as intermediaries and facilitate contact between adopted people and birth relatives. It will be the adopted adult's right to choose whether to respond to the inquiry. No identifying information will be given to the birth relative without the adopted adult's permission. It, therefore, does not force adopted people to take up this opportunity but it does give them access to information allowing them to make their own decisions.


Another success occurred this month when an amendment allowing unmarried couples and gay couples to adopt was passed and the bill finally made it on to the statute books. Meanwhile, those people who have been campaigning for several years should feel proud that their efforts have resulted in a humane approach to the lifelong issues of adoption - and one that has gained legislative acceptance.

Duty demands we speak out on issues that we know about, so that we can help ensure that policy, practice and legislative changes are derived from evidence-based practice. We spoke, the legislators listened. It's supposed to be the way our democracy works. This time it did.

Julia Feast is policy research and development consultant for Baaf Adoption and Fostering.