Press releases

For members of the press: If you need more information or would like to arrange an interview about child care issues please call our media team on 020 7593 2054 (or 07767 444 589 outside office hours, for urgent enquiries).

BAAF welcomes adoption support announcement

Issued: 24th May 03

BAAF welcomes the announcement by Jacqui Smith today about the new services which will be available for adoptive families from 1 October and also the measures being introduced to safeguard children adopted from other countries.

Adoptive families and children will have access to an Adoption Support Adviser, the right to an assessment for adoption support and to be entitled to be considered for a range of services including a new system of financial support. This will be available for adoptions being planned and also in relation to past adoptions.

Felicity Collier, Chief Executive of BAAF Adoption and Fostering said:

"This is exciting and encouraging news for adoptive parents and adopted children. Adopting children from the care system is challenging as well as rewarding - so many of these children have suffered trauma and separations and will have many special needs. Access to sensitive and skilled support can often make or break a placement and have life long implications for all concerned. People thinking about adoption and those who have adopted in the past will be reassured."

"As the Adoption Register report shows, there are many children currently waiting for adoption for whom there are no suitable families available. Some families approved as suitable to adopt do change their minds when they see the difficult problems and experiences the children waiting for adoption have faced. We believe more families would come forward if they could access improved financial and practical support and, for some children, special health, educational and psychological services. We hope that today's announcement will give these families greater confidence."

"The implementation of these new regulations will require a step change in service provision - detailed and comprehensive planning and significant resources from local authorities. The October deadline is a major challenge but the opportunity is one that cannot be missed because it will make a real difference to thousands of children's lives."

Ends

Contact:

Lucy Handford, Media Assistant, 020 7593 2054

Notes

1. The British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) is the UK’s leading adoption & fostering charity. For more information visit www.baaf.org.uk