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Adoptive families speak to Minister about their experiences

Issued: 29 October 04

As part of National Adoption Week, (1-7 November) BAAF Scotland together with Adoption UK will be holding an informal meeting at the Scottish Parliament on November 2rd. The Deputy Minister for Education and Young People, Euan Robson will be welcoming adoptive families and adult adoptees to the new Scottish Parliament.

National Adoption Week aims to encourage more people to come forward and adopt the estimated 400 - 500 Scottish children who are waiting for a new permanent family at any one time.

Adoptive children, adults & their parents will have the opportunity to tell the Minister about some of their experiences and also to hear from the Minister himself about ways in which the Scottish Executive will support local authorities to enable other children to join new families. The families are also going to have the opportunity for a whistleshop tour of the new Parliament building.

Deputy Education and Young People Minister, Euan Robson, said:

"All children deserve to be raised in secure, stable and supportive environments provided by loving families. For many children, adoption will be the best long-term arrangement. That's why we must encourage prospective adopters to come forward to ensure we have as many families as we need."

"We are committed to modernising and streamlining the adoption process to help councils provide children and prospective adopters with an effective and speedy service. I look forward to hearing the recommendations of our adoption review group which is considering how to achieve this and what additonal support is necessary."

Babara Hudson, Director BAAF Scotland, said:

"Currently, there are too many children waiting for a family and we would like to see these children, where possible, adopted into loving and permanent homes."

"I'm delighted that the Minister will be able to welcome us to the Parliament at this very special time and meet a range of people whose lives are touched by adoption and the issues around it".

"Obviously the main message of National Adoption Week is the need for more families to come forward to adopt.

"There is also a need for anyone involved with children and families - be it teachers, doctors, health visitors or just the next door neighbour to understand that adoption is not easy for either children or their families. New legislation in the next 18 months will hopefully improve the situation by streamlining legal processes and support arrangements. In the meantime, everyone has a part to play in making it happen."

Ends

Contact:

Barbara Husdon or Brenda Reilly (BAAF) 0131 220 4749
Fiona Strachan at Adoption UK 0131 558 2662

Notes to editor

If you would like to receive a photograph of the Minister meeting the families, please call 0131 220 4749.