Letter: Adoption sanctions vital for children

Sir: Your leading article 'Adoption is no crime' (20 October) misrepresents the proposals in the Adoption Law Review for safeguarding the welfare of children brought into this country for adoption.

It is true that the report proposes that there should be a sanction against those who circumvent the proper procedures, and that it should be possible for a court, on the application of a local authority, to order the removal of a child in such circumstances. As the report says, the procedures designed to safeguard children cannot be regarded as optional, and it follows that there must be a possibility of a sanction.

Children are entitled to the best possible safeguards, and while the majority of those wishing to adopt a child from abroad may be able to offer a safe and secure home, and may have the best of motives, there is a need to ensure that those who do not fit into this category know that they will face sanctions if they attempt to avoid the proper procedures.

Since a court considering removing a child would be obliged to regard the child's welfare as the paramount consideration, it is hardly to be envisaged that the court would make an order that would jeopardise the child's well- being.

Yours faithfully

DEBORAH CULLEN

Legal Adviser

British Agencies for

Adoption & Fostering

London, SE1

21 October