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23/10/2018
Paramilitary Convictions 'May Not' Be Recognised In Adoption Applications
Official proposals surrounding the adoption of children in Northern Ireland could mean paramilitary convictions relating to potential parents will not be considered by authorities.
The plans have not yet been implemented due to the lack of government, along with other preparatory work for new measures to improve ex-prisoners' access to financial services like lending and travel insurance which is also on hold due to the political impasse.
Those with convictions acquired during the 30-year conflict currently face a range of challenges as a result of their criminal record.
The first report of the Independent Reporting Commission said: "The Department of Health is bringing forward proposals in relation to adoption legislation.
"The Adoption and Children Bill contains a specific power to make regulations which may provide that an adoption agency, in determining the suitability of an individual to adopt, must not take into account offences of prescribed description."
The ground-work on these issues is already in place, and the report said the changes can be progressed quickly upon the restoration of a functioning legislative assembly.
(JG/MH)
The plans have not yet been implemented due to the lack of government, along with other preparatory work for new measures to improve ex-prisoners' access to financial services like lending and travel insurance which is also on hold due to the political impasse.
Those with convictions acquired during the 30-year conflict currently face a range of challenges as a result of their criminal record.
The first report of the Independent Reporting Commission said: "The Department of Health is bringing forward proposals in relation to adoption legislation.
"The Adoption and Children Bill contains a specific power to make regulations which may provide that an adoption agency, in determining the suitability of an individual to adopt, must not take into account offences of prescribed description."
The ground-work on these issues is already in place, and the report said the changes can be progressed quickly upon the restoration of a functioning legislative assembly.
(JG/MH)
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31 October 2022
Consultations On Support For Adoptive Families And Young Care Leavers
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced two new public consultations on policy proposals to inform the drafting of regulations to provide much needed support to adoptive families and young people who have left care. The regulations will be part of the phased implementation of the Adoption and Children Act, which became law on 27 April 2022.
Consultations On Support For Adoptive Families And Young Care Leavers
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced two new public consultations on policy proposals to inform the drafting of regulations to provide much needed support to adoptive families and young people who have left care. The regulations will be part of the phased implementation of the Adoption and Children Act, which became law on 27 April 2022.
04 July 2006
Gay adoption laws to be reviewed
Gay and unmarried couples in Northern Ireland will be able to adopt children under proposals to overhaul adoption legislation. The proposal which was unveiled today, revealed that couples who have gone through a civil partnership as well as unmarried couples, whether of a different sex or the same sex, will be able to adopt.
Gay adoption laws to be reviewed
Gay and unmarried couples in Northern Ireland will be able to adopt children under proposals to overhaul adoption legislation. The proposal which was unveiled today, revealed that couples who have gone through a civil partnership as well as unmarried couples, whether of a different sex or the same sex, will be able to adopt.
06 October 2021
Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Adoption And Children Bill
Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the progress of the Adoption and Children Bill. The Bill will modernise the legal framework for adoption in Northern Ireland and improve outcomes for children and families in need, children in care and those who have left care.
Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Adoption And Children Bill
Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the progress of the Adoption and Children Bill. The Bill will modernise the legal framework for adoption in Northern Ireland and improve outcomes for children and families in need, children in care and those who have left care.
25 September 2024
97 Children Adopted From Care In NI In 2023/24
The Department of Health has released a report 'Children Adopted from Care in Northern Ireland 2023/24', revealing significant insights into the adoption process during the year ending March 31, 2024. According to the report, 97 children were adopted from care in Northern Ireland during this period.
97 Children Adopted From Care In NI In 2023/24
The Department of Health has released a report 'Children Adopted from Care in Northern Ireland 2023/24', revealing significant insights into the adoption process during the year ending March 31, 2024. According to the report, 97 children were adopted from care in Northern Ireland during this period.
14 October 2019
More Adoptive Families Sought In NI
An urgent appeal has been issued for people in Northern Ireland to consider adoption. Some 21 children are currently on the register seeking adoptive placement, with 13 needing to be placed alongside a brother or sister.
More Adoptive Families Sought In NI
An urgent appeal has been issued for people in Northern Ireland to consider adoption. Some 21 children are currently on the register seeking adoptive placement, with 13 needing to be placed alongside a brother or sister.
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