Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 2

Written Answers. - Post-Adoption Support Services.

Dick Spring

Question:

147 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the fact that a significant number of babies born to women under 18 are given up for adoption he will outline his plans, if any, for the establishment of post-adoption support services for these women; and if he will provide a timetable for their implementation.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

It is the practice of the adoption agencies to offer continuing support and counselling to all mothers of children being placed for adoption, regardless of their age. The provision of post-adoption support services is now an essential feature of the activities of the adoption agencies for the benefit of all the parties to an adoption.

Dick Spring

Question:

148 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health his views on the feasibility of granting access to otherwise closed adoption records in circumstances in which this information is required for medical reasons; and if he will provide a timetable for the implementation of this reform.

Dick Spring

Question:

149 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health his views on the feasibility of providing full medical records as part of adoption procedure; and if he will give a timetable for the implementation of this reform.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.

The primary responsibility for obtaining relevant background medical information on children being placed for adoption rests with the adoption agencies, which operate under the aegis of the Adoption Board.

The detailed guidelines on adoption procedures issued by the board to the agencies make it clear that the prospective adoptive parents must be made aware prior to the placement of the child with them of any factors in the child's background which might have medical implications. The board consider it essential that this be done in order to ensure that the couple's decision to adopt the child is an informed decision. In cases where there is a health problem the board require written confirmation from the agency that the prospective adopters have been made aware of this and are accepting of the position. It is not uncommon in such cases for the agency to arrange for the couple to consult expert medical personnel for the purpose of ensuring that they fully understand the condition and the possible long term implications for both themselves and the child.

Where an adopted person requires information from the adoption records relating to him or her for medical reasons, it is the practice of the adoption agency concerned to arrange for its medical adviser to transmit such information as is available to the adopted person's doctor.