Adoption Policy Review Group: phase one report

ADOPTION POLICY REVIEW GROUP -REPORT PHASE I

Introduction

Who Cares? Scotland was asked by the Scottish Executive to provide a snapshot view from young people to contribute to the Adoption Policy Review Group. Broadly speaking the question to be addressed by the young people was whether they had been asked for their views during their time "in care" about the possibility of adoption.

It was agreed that this was a sensitive area both for young people who are currently looked after and accommodated and for those who are in the process of moving on. It was decided that the most effective way to produce a meaningful contribution in the time available would be to engage "older" young people in dialogue by way of a face to face questionnaire interview. Younger children's views are conveyed in this exercise by way of anecdotal information from Who Cares? Scotland young people's workers.

This is not a piece of formal research, but an informal snapshot taken in a sensitive way to provide an initial response to the question posed. The statistics and comments provided by the young people who agreed to take part in this exercise provide some initial insight into how much input they have in life planning. It is perhaps of some significance that amongst this older group only one young person recalls having discussed adoption as an option for her. Although we have not noted the length of time each of these young people spent "in care" it is evident from some of their comments that a number have been looked after long term.

The anecdotal information, whilst admittedly subjective in its content, highlights some of the issues around for younger children currently involved or touched by the adoption process.

A total of 26 young people completed interviews and 4 young person's workers provided anecdotal information. Who Cares? Scotland would like to thank the young people and local authorities.

LIVING AWAY FROM HOME