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.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
21 February 2020
NI Charity Advocates For Youths Growing Up In Care
A local charity is calling on the United Nations to officially designate Care Day as the International Day of Care Experienced People to support children and young people who are or have been in care.
NI Charity Advocates For Youths Growing Up In Care
A local charity is calling on the United Nations to officially designate Care Day as the International Day of Care Experienced People to support children and young people who are or have been in care.
06 July 2006
Children's views to help shape adoption strategy
Children who are adopted are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of adoption in Northern Ireland. Following the recent launch of the ‘Adopting the Future’ strategy, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety wants to hear the views of young people aged 12-18, who have been adopted within the last 10 years.
Children's views to help shape adoption strategy
Children who are adopted are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of adoption in Northern Ireland. Following the recent launch of the ‘Adopting the Future’ strategy, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety wants to hear the views of young people aged 12-18, who have been adopted within the last 10 years.
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
