childcare-50years

Chapter
ADOPTION
Introduction
From ancient to modern times, the adoption of children has always
been sure to catch the public imagination. Adoption presents one of
the most emotive challenges to individuals, families and indeed,
society itself. At its most basic level, adoption is a legal procedure
that creates a permanent family for a child where birth parents are
unable, unwilling or are legally prohibited from caring for the child.
Adoption transfers all parental responsibility to adoptive parents and
places the child within a new kinship network. The legal procedure
occurs at one point in time. But adoption is a lifelong journey that
takes on new meanings and significance for all parties through every
life stage. In its broadest sense, adoption strikes at the very core of
society's values about the 'ownership' and 'belonging' of children. It
is 'about love and loss, about concern and commitment, passion and
grief ' (Rowe, 1966), and it is never simple.
Arguably no other children's service has seen such dramatic change
over the last 50 years. Shifting social attitudes and norms have found
expression in legislative, welfare, policy and social support
frameworks that have shaped adoption over this period. Whether
looked at from the point of view of children, birth parents,
prospective adopters or adoptive families, at any point in history it
can be claimed that 'good adoption practice is complex, important
and fraught with controversy' (Tresiliotis et al, 1997). This chapter
traces key developments that help to define the past, present and
future challenges of services for children and adults affected by
adoption.
The development of adoption services prior to the establishment of
the Welfare State in 1947
Legislation to 1947
3
Whilst various provisions and obligations were made under the Poor
Laws (1800-1920) with regard to children who had been adopted, the
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