Peers to examine latest proposals for adoption reform
The Lords Select Committee on Adoption Legislation will be hearing from the Ministerial Advisor on Adoption and Adoption Matters Northeast on Tuesday 24 July, as part of its inquiry into Adoption Legislation.
At 10.15, the Committee will take evidence from Martin Narey, who advises the Government on adoption policy. Immediately following, at 11.15, the Chief Executive of Adoption Matters Northeast, Norman Goodwin, will answer the Committee's questions.
The Committee will question the witnesses on a number of issues ranging from the place of voluntary adoption agencies within the adoption system, trans-racial adoption and monitoring the performance of adoption agencies. Specifically, the Committee will ask:
- Does the current adoption system work effectively?
- What has been the impact of the closure of a number of Catholic adoption agencies?
- What are the main support needs of adopted children and their adoptive parents?
- Do current laws strike the right balance between the rights of birth parents and children?
- Is there a problem recruiting potential adopters from particular ethnic groups?
The evidence sessions will take place on Tuesday 24 July in Committee Room 2and will be webcast live at www.parliamentlive.tv.