This White Paper presents the Government's new approach. It sets out what we will do, including the new legislation we will introduce, to make adoption work more clearly, more consistently, and more fairly. But in modernising adoption, in defining new roles and new ways of working for adopters, for councils, and for the courts, our new approach at all times makes it clear that it is the interests of the children which are and must remain paramount. We want to see more adopters, councils working better, courts performing more transparently. But above all, we want to see vulnerable children safe, in permanent families.
Adoption is an emotional issue.
The circumstances surrounding adoptions are sometimes highly charged. But I am in no doubt about the responsibilities which rest with all of us, and I am determined to see those responsibilities dealt with fully. That is the heart of the Government's new approach. Children deserve nothing less. Growing up in a stable family environment provides the best opportunity for a young person to thrive and develop.