Government issues regulations for inter country adoption

The government’s proposals for improving the safeguards
for children adopted from abroad were published in a consultation
document on the implementation of the Adoption (Intercountry
Aspects) Act 1999.

The document includes draft regulations to be made under the act
for England and Wales and draft supporting guidance. Councils and
voluntary adoption agencies dealing with intercountry adoption will
have to comply with the regulations when they come into force next
year.

Health minister Jacqui Smith said: “Adoption is a service
– not for profit. We are committed to protecting vulnerable
children both at home and abroad.”

“The publication of this consultation document is an important
step forward in our work to ensure that intercountry adoption only
takes place where the same safeguards as for domestic adoptions
have been applied,” she added.

When implemented, the act will allow the UK to ratify the 1993
Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in
respect of intercountry adoption.

“These measures will also help to make sure that a consistent
service is provided to those who wish to adopt overseas, and that
they are helped to navigate the often complex procedures,” Smith
said.

“The consultation document is key to meeting our promise to move
forward swiftly while actively involving all with an interest in
the work to get the process right to benefit the people who matter
most – the adopted children,” she concluded.

All comments will need to be made by Wednesday 13 February 2002.
Separate consultations will be made on the Scottish and Northern
Irish equivalents shortly.

Consultation document available by
clicking here