Making adoption work for children in Scotland

The history of Adoption dates back 75 years during which time policy and practice have changed dramatically, as have public attitudes to adoption. The stigma associated with adoption has largely disappeared, histories are shared not hidden, and a wider range of prospective adopters are now considered. The biggest change however has been in the profile of children placed for adoption. Children in public care, who are older, part of family groups, affected even before birth, by drugs and alcohol and by subsequent emotional, physical and sexual abuse have experienced a secure and nurturing childhood through adoption. Such childhood experiences are key to a healthy adolescence and a fulfilling adulthood.

The implementation of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 creates a unique opportunity to consider the place of adoption in Scotland. The agenda set for local authorities as corporate parents is aspirational and challenging but is adoption given its place as one of the options for achieving positive outcomes for looked after children?

Are practitioners and their managers, members of children’s hearings and the courts familiar with current practice and thinking on adoption? Are sufficient resources allocated to locating and then supporting those who take up the challenges of becoming adoptive parents? Do support services fully meet the lifelong needs of all those touched by adoption?

This important conference will provide a unique opportunity for those attending to exchange ideas and information and share experiences. The conference will contribute to policy developments in Scotland and to strategic planning. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• gain an overview of the needs of children separated from birth families;
• hear about key messages from research;
• consider those services required to support adoption and how these could be provided; and
• listen to the experiences of those with personal knowledge of adoption.

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