Ireland’s adoption regime updated to reflect ‘changing families’

New legislation brings Ireland’s adoption regime “in line with our changing family make-up”, Children’s Minister Dr Katherine Zappone has said.

Dr Zappone was addressing an Adoption Authority of Ireland conference on the impact of the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017.

Other speakers included Judge Rosemary Horgan, president of the District Court; Dr Geoffrey Shannon, chair of the Adoption Authority; and Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children.

Family rooms and information leaflets and videos for children being adopted were launched at the conference by Dr Shannon.

Dr Zappone told the conference: “I view the provisions of the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 as a very positive and progressive step forward. While the provisions of this Act were long awaited, they were unquestionably needed to bring our adoption legislation in line with our changing family make-up. Getting information out about the modernisation of our adoption laws to children, young people and families is key. I welcome the leadership of the Adoption Authority of Ireland is ensuring people are fully aware of their rights.”