G477 The history of adoption in the United Kingdom. (25th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Donovan, C; Mandal, A; Finlay, F
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 105(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A171
• Page End: A171
• Publication Date: 2020-10-25
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-rcpch.409
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: Informally transferring children to a new home and looking after them on a temporary or permanent basis has always existed in the United Kingdom (UK). However adoption, the permanent removal of a child into another family, has only been legislated in the UK since the 20th Century. Most literature and academic writing on adoption in the UK is mainly written from a contemporary social work and sociological perspective, rather than the history of adoption, which this presentation aims to address. Methods: A literature review was conducted to learn more about the history of adoption in the UK. Results: Prior to adoption legislation the closest concept was 'wardship'. A guardian was given custody of a child by the Chancery Court, but parental rights were not transferred. Following World War One an increase in organised adoption occurred and pressure grew for adoption to be legislated. In 1926 the first legislation was passed for England and Wales, with similar legislation rapidly following for Northern Ireland and Scotland. In almost every subsequent decade new laws have been introduced to further regulate the process. Prior to the 1960's most adopted children were given up by unmarried mothers, or through step-parents adopting their new partner's children. Since then, social, cultural, economic, and legal changes mean children adopted now are mainly from local authority care because their birth family situation placed them at risk. Conclusions: Debates around how adoption should work, who should adopt and what is in the child's best interests have always been influenced by social constructs, significant world events, and the perception of what family life 'could' and 'should' look like. The process of adoption has therefore changed significantly over the last Century from informal arrangements prior to legislation, through to the current framework in place today. The types of children deemed 'adoptable' and parents deemed 'appropriate' have also changed significantly over time. The subsequent family units created as a result of the adoptive process are now much more varied in keeping with the wider construct of current UK society.