- The Law in Scotland
- Find about major changes to the adoption process in Scotland
- Campaigning in Scotland
Promoting the concerns and interests of adoptive families in Scotland
- Links
- Useful websites for adopters and prospective adopters in Scotland
Adoption Law in Scotland
Major changes in adoption law are taking place in Scotland, with the introduction of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill. This page takes you through the latest developments and how Adoption UK has been involved.
The general principles of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill were approved by parliament in September 2006, following a debate in which several amendments were made which recognised the issues Adoption UK raised earlier in the year.
These included abandoning three-stage adoption support plans in favour of an holistic model, which takes into account the life-long implications of adoption, and providing adoption support for as long as the family needed it, instead of limiting it to three years.
Speaking to the Scottish Parliament Education Committee in 2006, Fiona Lettice, Adoption UK’s Development Manager (Scotland) welcomed the Bill’s general principles of improving, modernising and extending the adoption system.
She said: “Children who enter the care system and go on to be adopted often have highly complex needs. Many have suffered neglect and abuse and all have experienced early trauma. Adopted children are among the most vulnerable children in society.”
Fiona explained the attachment difficulties many adopted children have, adding: “We feel there is a lack of understanding of these issues among professionals and the provision of therapeutic services throughout Scotland is insufficient. Many adoptive parents are blamed rather than supported when they have problems.”
Adoption UK has submitted several responses to the consultations on the draft Regulations to be made to implement the Act in Scotland. Download Adoption UK’s responses to the consultations below:
Adoption Support Services and Allowances
Adoptions with a Foreign Element
Adoptions with a Foreign Element - Special Restrictions
Disclosure of Medical Information