Long-term foster kids now eligible for adoption

Long-term foster kids now eligible for adoption

Eilish O'Regan and Tim Healy

PUBLISHED

25/04/2015 | 02:30SHARE

Hundreds of young people in long-term foster care will be eligible for adoption in the wake of the Supreme Court's refusal to order a re-running of the 2012 children's referendum.

Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, Geoffrey Shannon, said the draft heads of the legislation covering these possible adoptions was published at the time of the referendum and can be progressed. "The Supreme Court ruling removes the roadblock to these children being adopted. It is a very positive day for children," he said

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, said: "Based on the age profile and care status of the children in care, 2,000 children could become eligible for adoption."

The seven-judge court unanimously found, in a challenge brought by a Dublin woman, she had failed to prove an unconstitutional government information campaign "materially affected" the 'Yes' outcome in the referendum.

Irish Independent