The government is thinking about changing the island’s adoption laws.
When the current Act was drafted 36 years ago more babies and young children were being placed for adoption.
With better contraception and single mothers facing less stigma, this is no longer the case.
Most adoptions that take place now are for children who are already in the care of the Department of Health and Social Care and who are not babies.
-public-meetings.png?width=209&height=140&crop=209:145,smart&quality=75)
Many of them have experienced varying degrees of trauma during their early years.
The new Bill will bring the island’s adoption law more closely in line with the Adoption and Children Act 2002 of England and Wales.
The new Adoption Bill’s main aims also include cutting the length of time it takes to adopt a child, and making it easier for people who have been adopted and their birth relatives to make contact with each other, should they wish to do so.
David Ashford MHK, Minister for Health and Social Care, said: ’By updating our legislation we are aiming to improve the adoption service for the benefit of the vulnerable children being placed for adoption both on and off the island.
’In this consultation we are seeking the public’s views on various provisions contained in the Adoption Bill. Your views, suggestions and opinions are of utmost importance to us and I encourage you to respond to the consultation.’
The consultation can be completed online at consult.gov.im. To request a paper copy call 642608.