Adoption of Children Law (Amendment – Prohibition of Separating Siblings in Adoption Proceedings) Bill

What does the bill do?

The proposal adds a section to the Adoption of Children Law requiring the court to hear the views of various parties (an adopted child aged 5 and over, relatives, the prospective adoptive family, a social worker, a psychologist or psychiatrist) before considering separating siblings. Separation will be permitted only if the court is convinced that refraining from separation will cause real harm to the child. In the case of an approved separation, the court must give reasons for its decision and order an arrangement for contact between the siblings.