Securing Lifelines

Why Permanent Legal Support is Imperative for Adopted Children

Adoption presents a situation where the need of an individual to be a parent is met by the need of society to find parents for a child in the care of the government. Whilst adoption offers a pathway to loving families, inherently involves the experience of separation from birth family for the child. This separation, regardless of the circumstances, constitutes a significant event that can have a profound impact on a child’s developing sense of self and belonging.

The repercussions of trauma can be far reaching, affecting emotional regulation, attachment patterns, social interactions, and even physical health. For adopted children, the experience of separation can contribute to a range of potential challenges, including difficulties with identity formation, attachment, and trust.

Given the reality that adoption will continue to exist as a solution by governments providing families for children, and that the experience of separation can have a significant impact on a child’s well-being, the need for consistent and dedicated support for all adopted children becomes unequivocally clear. This is not a matter of occasional assistance or temporary initiatives, it is a fundamental requirement to ensure their well-being and to foster their ability to thrive.

Therefore, it is essential that support for adopted children is entrenched in law permanently. This legal safeguarding would provide a stable and reliable framework for the provision of vital services, ensuring that adopted children have access to the resources they need, precisely when they need them.

Imagine a system where funding for crucial therapeutic services, educational support tailored to the needs of children who may have experienced early separation, and dedicated family support programs are not subject to the ebb and flow of political priorities or fluctuating budgets. Imagine a landscape where adopted individuals can access lifelong support as they navigate their identity and experiences. This is the promise of legally secured support.

Entrenching these provisions in law would send a powerful message. Society must recognise the unique journey of adopted individuals and be committed to providing them with the consistent and unwavering support they deserve. It would move beyond reactive measures and establish a proactive commitment to their long term well-being.

The potential impact of early separation demands a response that is equally robust and enduring. By entrenching support for adopted children in law, we are not just offering a helping hand; we are laying a permanent foundation for their future, acknowledging the complexities of their beginnings, and ensuring they have the opportunity to heal, grow, and reach their full potential, secure in the knowledge that their needs are a societal priority.