A new adoption bill has been signed into law by President Higgins. The Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 brings into law policy changes which were passed in the 2012 children’s rights referendum.

 

The new changes include adoptions taking a more child-centred approach, and a focus on the best interests of the child being provided for in an adoption case.

 

From now on, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the courts will take into consideration the wishes of the child involved if they are capable of expressing them. The age and the maturity of the child involved will also be considered in these circumstances.

 

The legislation also ensures that all children being considered for adoption are treated equally, regardless of their parents’ marital status, according to Newstalk.

 

 

The bill will also allow foster carers the opportunity to adopt a child they have fostered for at least 18 months.

 

However, birth parents who have had their children taken into foster care will also be offered supports from Tusla, the Family and Child Agency, to increase the chances of a “positive” family reunification, according to The Journal.

 

The legislation also provides for adoptions by civil partners and cohabiting couples.

 

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone praised the new bill for its “child-centred” approach, saying: "I hope to be in a position to commence the provisions of this bill as soon as possible."

 

 

 

"The decision of the people in the children’s referendum of November 2012 endorsed the proposition of the Government of the day to move the position of children on to a new level as regards recognition of the unique qualities, as well as vulnerabilities, of childhood and adolescence.

 

"It gave this generation an opportunity to author an enduring positive message to future generations - we place the welfare of children amongst the highest values of our society."

 

Other changes introduced include a new test in the case of the adoption of children whose parents fail in their duty towards them.

 

In cases where a parent has failed in their duty towards their child for 36 months, the High Court can now bypass parental consent and allow the Adoption Authority to make an adoption order for the child.

 

It also provides for the adoption of a child by his or her step-parent without the requirement for the child's other parent to adopt his or her own child.

Latest

Trending