I propose to answer Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.
A standardised framework for intercountry adoption assessment was introduced in 1999 to streamline assessments and to provide a transparent system centred on the child's best interests. When introduced, the framework was welcomed by both health boards and prospective adopters, and it is regarded very highly in countries from which Irish people adopt. The framework is being implemented nationally.
Assessments for intercountry and domestic adoptions are carried out by health boards or by registered adoption societies. At the outset of the process, applicants are placed on a health board/adoption society waiting list for assessment. The waiting list for assessment varies throughout the country. The assessment process itself involves a number of stages and would generally include an initial assessment, a considerable level of education/preparation work, including an exploration with prospective adoptive parents of the challenges and issues that are likely to arise when undertaking adoption, and a home study assessment. The purpose of the assessment process is to determine whether applicants are suitable to adopt a child and the length of the process can vary between applicants depending on the particular circumstances of each case, bearing in mind at all times the best interests of the child.
The length of time it takes to complete the necessary assessment and the allocation of resources within the health board is a matter for the management of each individual health board and I understand that the social worker in question has been in contact with the relevant health board in this matter.
I am in receipt of representations from the named person and a reply will issue within the next week.
