Scots to broaden pool of adopters

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”.