Press releases

For members of the press: If you need more information or would like to arrange an interview about child care issues members of the press can call our media team on 020 7593 2054.

If you have an urgent out of hours press enquiry, please contact the press office on 07767 444 589.

Welcome to the Parliament

Issued: 17 November 04

Euan Robson, Deputy Minister for Education and Young People, welcomed a group of adopted children and adults and adoptive parents to the new building. The visitors were treated to a tour of the building, including an opportunity to sit in the debating chamber. The stairs, corridors, tables, speakers' chairs, and microphones were all tested by the youngsters in the party who were impressed by the building. The adults had the opportunity to share some of their experiences with Euan Robson and to suggest ways in which Local Authorities could be helped so as to improve the services available to everyone involved in adoption.

The event was part of National Adoption Week and immediately prior to a conference to be held on Monday 8th November when proposed new legislation for adoption is to be discussed. Fiona Strachan from Adoption UK who attended the meeting commented that "everyone really appreciated the opportunity to meet the Minister and have an opportunity to put their views over."

BAAF Scotland's Director, Barbara Hudson, a member of the Adoption Policy Review Group, confirmed that new legislation looks set to be proposed and added "BAAF hopes that, as well as legislation, funding will be made available to help maintain and develop the services to all those touched by adoption. The children who visited the Parliament today depend on legislation that is to be discussed here - for their futures."

Ends

Contact:

BAAF Scotland, on 0131 220 4749

Notes to Editor

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