Development of the Adoption and Children Act
In February 2000 the prime minister announced that he would lead a thorough review of adoption policy. Subsequently, the Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) conducted a study and made recommendations on options for future government policy. The PIU report was published for consultation in July 2000 and at its launch, the prime minister committed the government to introducing new adoption legislation during 2001.
Prime Minister's Review: Adoption (PIU report, 2000)
On 21 December 2000 the government published a white paper, Adoption: A New Approach, which set out comprehensive reforms to provide a fresh start for many more looked-after children who are unable to return to their families - the opportunity to live in, and be part of, a new family.
Adoption: A New Approach (white paper) (2000)
The Adoption and Children Bill was introduced to parliament on 19 October 2001 and recieved royal assent on 7 November 2002. Text of parliamentary debates, listed in date order, can be found on the Hansard website.
This page was last updated on 02 July 2007
