The main piece of legislation that affects children who are looked after or accommodated by the local authority is the
Children Act 1989, which says:
"Social Services must work with parents and make every effort to return children to their birth family wherever possible"
Where Children cannot be returned to their birth family, Social Services look to provide permanent homes for them.
The legislation that governs adoption is the
Adoption and Children Act 2002 & The Adoption Agency Regulations 1983 and 2005.
The law says that adopted people have a right to know they are adopted and can see their adoption file when they reach adulthood.
Adoption Agencies also work under National Standards, which state that the following must be taken into account when placing children for adoption.
- Children are entitled to grow up as part of a loving family.
- Children's ethnic origin, cultural background, religion and language will be respected and considered when decisions are made.
- Adoption is about meeting the needs of children not about the needs of adults.
- The child's welfare, safety, needs and views should be at the centre of the adoption process and will be taken into account at all stages
