There was good news for children in care as the Government unanimously passed new legislation that will allow foster parents adopt.
The latest Adoption (Amendment) Bill will now allow any child to be adopted – irrespective of their parents’ marital status – provided their birth parents give their consent.
The new legislation will also allow cases to be fast tracked through the High Court during complicated cases where parents do not consent, along with allowances for children in foster care to be adopted immediately.
The Bill which was submitted by children’s minister Katherine Zappone will be enacted next year.