Best-practice framework and a roadmap for the reform of domestic adoption in Ireland project launched by Department.
On Wednesday 18 June, Minister Norma Foley officially launched a project to develop a best-practice framework and a roadmap for the reform of domestic adoption in Ireland. The project is being led by the Adoption Policy Unit of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality in partnership with the Child Protection Section of UNICEF Europe & Central Asia and the European Commission Reform and Investment Task Force and is funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument (TSI).
This project will develop an evidence-based, best practice framework and roadmap to make sure that the child’s best interests are the paramount consideration at all stages of the adoption process. Learnings from other European Union and non-EU countries and engagement with stakeholders locally will help inform the project and provide a chance to reflect on how the lessons learned can best be applied in Ireland. The ultimate goal is to achieve better outcomes for everyone involved, most importantly, the child.
The TSI project is one part of a wider European initiative in which Ireland is joining with Croatia, the Czech Republic and Portugal to strengthen child protection systems and uphold children’s rights across the region.
The launch event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including professionals in child protection and adoption services, academics and people with lived experience, ensuring that a wide range of voices will help shape this work. Representatives from the other countries who are part of this initiative, and staff at the EU Commission, also attended the event online. In addition to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, the meeting was addressed by UNICEF’s Senior Child Protection Regional Advisor for Europe and Central Asia (ECARO), Aaron Greenberg UNICEF ECARO’s Ina Verzivolli and Martin Punaks Head of Sector (Labour market, social services and inclusion) with the European Commission’s Reform and Investment Task Force, Florin Popa and Principal Officer Seosamh Mac Carthaigh of the Department’s Adoption Policy Unit. The keynote address, “Domestic adoption and international human rights standards and principles”, was given by the Lead Consultant on the project, Mia Dambach. Judit Rozsa, Director of the Commission’s Reform and Investment Task Force provided a pre-recorded message.
Launching the project, Minister Foley said:
"This project offers an important opportunity to ensure that domestic adoption in Ireland meets international best practice and the best interest of the child."
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality see the project as a significant step forward for the development of adoption services and for children's rights in Ireland.