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From The Times
November 6, 2007

Adoption myths linked to shortage

Rosemary Bennett

Public attitudes towards adoption are 40 years out of date, according to new research.

A study carried out for the British Association for Adoption and Fostering found that a minority (29 per cent) of people knew that most children seeking new homes had suffered neglect or abuse, while 41 per cent of respondents still thought that mothers “put up” their babies for adoption when they were born.

In reality, most children awaiting adoption have been removed from their homes by social workers because of emotional or physical neglect or abuse. Few are under the age of one by the time they are “approved” for adoption.

Until the 1960s, thousands of mothers gave up their babies for adoption, but this is now rare and there is a strong emphasis on keeping children with their natural parents if possible.

The association is concerned about a shortage of adoptive parents. This year 3,300 children were adopted, compared with 3,700 in 2006.

Proove these figures - show us proof that most children awaiting adoption have been removed from their homes by social workers because of emotional or physical neglect or abuse.

What we do know about BAAF is that they are foremost the membership 'union' for fostering and adoption and all adoption and fostering agencies espouse to be members of BAAF. Douglas Alexander ( Chairman of CAFCASS ....advises the courts on children and families and provides guardians ad Liteums ) is also a director and trustee of BAAF.

A total of 10 out of 18 directors and trustees of BAAF are also senior social workers.

BAAF is paid about £12,000 for each adoption it arranges by way of finding suitable parents for the children in council care.

This must constitute a substantial 'conflict of interests' that raises suspicions that a momentum of adoptions is maintained, to supply BAAF.

www.fassit.co.uk

Layton, Neath, Wales

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