(Carlow-Kilkenny): I thank the Chair for the opportunity to raise this matter. I hope the Minister will use this opportunity to give good news to the many parents affected by this difficulty.
Everybody readily accepts that a couple's decision to adopt a child is major and nothing should cause them any further frustration or heartache. Following representations I checked with health boards and I discovered that, in general, the delay from the date of application until the assessment procedure begins is between 12 and 18 months. This is totally unacceptable. I understand assessment necessarily takes time and it is most important that parents are fully briefed on and prepared in advance for any problems which may arise. However, I cannot accept under any circumstances a period ranging from 12 to 18 months from the date of application until the assessment process begins.
From discussions, I am aware that social workers are being asked to do too much. They deal with all types of problems. This may have been fine in the past when fewer adoptions took place. However, there has been an upsurge in the number of people adopting children and it is vital that the Minister provides adequate staff to reduce the delays. It is unnecessary to explain how frustrating the situation is for parents. Every sensible concerned person realises that 12 to 18 months is an absurd waiting period for the start of an assessment. There is a further legitimate delay involved in the assessment and then parents must travel abroad, etc. All this takes time. As couples, in general, decide to adopt in later life, a two year gap is serious for them.
I do not want the Minister to point out that this matter has been raised previously and that there are problems because the staff must deal with many other areas. I hope he will have good news for frustrated parents.
