Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 2

Written Answers. - Inter-country Adoptions.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

256 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures he is taking to reduce waiting times for assessments for foreign adoptions in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area; the position regarding an application for an assessment by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7611/02]

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

288 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the concerns of a person (details supplied). [7786/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Ms Hanafin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 288 together.

The Deputies will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to comment on individual cases. However, I have been advised by the Eastern Regional Health Authority that the South West Area Health Board, which currently provides the service for the region, is processing applications that were received from June 2000 onwards. I understand that exceptions to this would be where cases have been deferred.

I am very concerned about the delays being experienced by applicants for inter-country adoption assessment in the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA. Delays have arisen in recent years because of an increased interest in intercountry adoption, and difficulties being experienced by the South West Area Health Board, which to date has been providing this service on behalf of the three area boards, in recruiting social workers in the child care area, including inter-country adoption.

The standardised framework for inter-country adoption assessment procedures is now being used in all health boards. The purpose is to streamline assessment processes for first and second assessments so that resources are used effectively and to provide a transparent system that can be understood by all the parties. The framework has been welcomed by both health boards and couples.

To reduce time spent by couples on waiting lists for inter-country adoption assessment in the ERHA additional funding of almost €830,000 or £653,000 has been provided over the past four years on the following measures. To increase significantly the number of social workers in the service funding has been provided to raise the complement of social workers, whole time equivalent, to over 20. At the end of last year, because of ongoing difficulties over recruitment, there were only 9.5 social workers, whole time equivalent, in the service. To assign new administrative personnel to provide support for social workers. This is to free up social workers to concentrate on assessments, post-placement reports and other appropriate work. A onestop shop facility has been introduced to increase capacity for holding office based interviews and reduce the time that social workers spend travelling to and from clients.

To fully implement the standardised framework discussions have been ongoing with the ERHA on further measures to address the problem. The authority has decided that two new assessment units will be established in the northern and east coast area boards and that the present service will become the unit for the SWAHB. I am advised by the ERHA that discussions are at an advanced stage with the three area boards on the arrangements for devolving the service with a view to having the service operational. A final decision as to the exact structure for the service in the region is expected shortly. The ERHA is currently recruiting a regional co-ordinator who will support the restructuring of the service.

A letter has issued to all applicants notifying them of the impending changes to the current service and their place on the current waiting list. A further letter will be issued to all applicants informing them of any new developments as soon as possible. Subject to availability of staff, I would hope that this initiative will be successful in reducing the delays currently being experienced by the couples in the region. I will continue to monitor the situation in relation to the new arrangements for the new assessment centres.

In addition to the initiatives taken by the ERHA, I have also recently written to the other seven health boards asking them to consider assisting the ERHA in carrying out inter-country adoption assessments. Unfortunately, none of the boards were in a position to release social workers to assist the ERHA in undertaking intercountry adoption assessments. Some boards have indicated that they may be in a position to offer assistance to the ERHA on the organisation and delivery of preparation courses in their respective regions. This is being followed up on by the ERHA.

In addition, the ERHA has advised that a dedicated customer services officer is being appointed in the current service. This person will deal with all customer queries and should provide improved information on the inter-country adoption process.