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.

BAAF's response to the Queen's speech

Issued: 24 November 2004

BAAF welcomes the introduction of the Draft Child Contact and Inter-country Adoption Bill. This should have the effect of safeguarding the welfare of children by clarifying the situations in which inter-country adoptions may be suspended from a particular country where there are concerns about the safety and welfare of the children involved. BAAF's Chief Executive Officer, Felicity Collier, stated in response to the Queen's announcement:

"Inter country adoption can allow children the chance to enjoy a safe and secure family life in the UK when there is no opportunity for this in their own country. However we are rightly rigorous in ensuring that children brought into this country for the purpose of adoption have been freely relinquished for adoption by their birth parents or through the proper legal process. Where there is concern about whether there has been coercion or trafficking it is imperative that pressure is exercised internationally to protect children's rights and the rights of birth families. BAAF welcomes the Government's decision to introduce a Bill which will make it clear how decisions to suspend adoptions in such circumstances are made."

BAAF looks forward to having the opportunity to consult on the draft Bill to ensure that it provides sufficient protection to all those involved in inter-country adoption.

BAAF also welcomes measures to ensure that contact arrangements following parental separation are in the best interests of the child and are adhered to by both parties. BAAF is keen to see how this will be provided for in the draft legislation, and what form the additional means to facilitate contact and enforce contact orders will take.

Ends

Contact:

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.

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