Menu
06/10/2021
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.
Minister Swann said: "The Adoption and Children Bill is a critical piece of legislation that will ensure children are put firmly at the centre of the adoption process.
"I want to cut unnecessary delays and uncertainty for children and improve support mechanisms for everyone involved in adoption. I am committed to making the adoption process as efficient and robust as possible."
There are currently 3,564 looked after children in Northern Ireland, an increase of 45% since 2002 and 6% since the beginning of the pandemic.
The Minister continued: "The Bill will improve support for children in need, children in care and those who have left care. These improvements are particularly vital at a time when there are more children in care than ever before in Northern Ireland."
The Bill is the outworking of the Department's commitment to legislative reform. The wide-ranging reforms that it will bring about are long overdue, mirroring changes that were introduced for England and Wales in 2002 and for Scotland in 2007.
The Minister concluded: "Now more than ever, we need foster carers and prospective adopters to offer a safe, stable and caring home for children who cannot live with their family. Foster carers and adoptive parents have the ability to transform the life of a child or young person. I encourage anyone thinking of adopting or becoming a foster carer to take that step and find out the difference they can make by offering a child a loving family home."
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.
Minister Swann said: "The Adoption and Children Bill is a critical piece of legislation that will ensure children are put firmly at the centre of the adoption process.
"I want to cut unnecessary delays and uncertainty for children and improve support mechanisms for everyone involved in adoption. I am committed to making the adoption process as efficient and robust as possible."
There are currently 3,564 looked after children in Northern Ireland, an increase of 45% since 2002 and 6% since the beginning of the pandemic.
The Minister continued: "The Bill will improve support for children in need, children in care and those who have left care. These improvements are particularly vital at a time when there are more children in care than ever before in Northern Ireland."
The Bill is the outworking of the Department's commitment to legislative reform. The wide-ranging reforms that it will bring about are long overdue, mirroring changes that were introduced for England and Wales in 2002 and for Scotland in 2007.
The Minister concluded: "Now more than ever, we need foster carers and prospective adopters to offer a safe, stable and caring home for children who cannot live with their family. Foster carers and adoptive parents have the ability to transform the life of a child or young person. I encourage anyone thinking of adopting or becoming a foster carer to take that step and find out the difference they can make by offering a child a loving family home."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 March 2003
Primary care must be strengthened says Browne
The role of primary care has to be strengthened and expanded, NIO Health Minister Des Browne has told delegates at the ‘Primary Care-Moving Forward’ conference in Armagh today.
Primary care must be strengthened says Browne
The role of primary care has to be strengthened and expanded, NIO Health Minister Des Browne has told delegates at the ‘Primary Care-Moving Forward’ conference in Armagh today.
22 March 2022
£5m Announced For NI's Care Home Sector
A £5 million support package has been announced to help Northern Ireland's care home sector with rising energy costs. Care homes, like the rest of society, have been dealing with sharply rising energy prices. The £5m funding will be allocated by HSC Trusts on the basis of bed numbers per home.
£5m Announced For NI's Care Home Sector
A £5 million support package has been announced to help Northern Ireland's care home sector with rising energy costs. Care homes, like the rest of society, have been dealing with sharply rising energy prices. The £5m funding will be allocated by HSC Trusts on the basis of bed numbers per home.
29 July 2019
Job Prospects For Unemployed With Care Home Training Scheme
A care home group is offering job opportunities for the unemployed in Belfast following completion of a four-week training programme. Macklin Care Homes, which operates six homes in Northern Ireland, has developed a scheme to equip unemployed members of society with recognised qualifications in health and social care skills.
Job Prospects For Unemployed With Care Home Training Scheme
A care home group is offering job opportunities for the unemployed in Belfast following completion of a four-week training programme. Macklin Care Homes, which operates six homes in Northern Ireland, has developed a scheme to equip unemployed members of society with recognised qualifications in health and social care skills.
15 September 2021
Booster Vaccinations Announced By Health Minister
Booster vaccinations are set to be offered to those first vaccinated during Phase 1 of the programme, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. Minister Swann has made the announcement on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Booster Vaccinations Announced By Health Minister
Booster vaccinations are set to be offered to those first vaccinated during Phase 1 of the programme, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. Minister Swann has made the announcement on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
