Parents of children living in care homes who refuse to free them for adoption despite not being present in their lives could have them taken away under a new process to be discussed in Parliament today.

The measure could put an end to a system that leaves children in care homes for years.

The biological parents will have 30 days to reply to an application filed in court by a person wishing to free a child for adoption. The applicant, described as someone with “an interest in the wellbeing of the child”, would have to outline why the child would be better off freed for adoption, which, essentially, means stripping the parents of their parental rights.

These changes, contained in a Bill on children in out-of-home care  are meant to secure a happier future for the 400 children who are under a care order.

The court application can be filed by any person with an interest in the wellbeing
of the child. It has to be accompanied by a care plan that will refer to any
prospective adopters.

The application will be served to the biological parents. If they do not reply, the court will appoint a curator to represent the parents’ rights during the court case.

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