§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the difficulties facing social workers undertaking inquiries into the proposed adoption of children brought into the United Kingdom from other countries; and what guidance has been issued by his Department on procedures to be followed.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyAs part of its responsibilities for liaising with local authority social services departments on all child care matters, the Department's social services inspectorate is in contact with local authorities on intercountry adoption. The inspectorate is available to advise on intercountry adoption in general and on any particular matters of difficulty.
Detailed guidance on intercountry adoption is contained in letters CI(90)17 and CI(91)14 issued by the chief inspector of the social services inspectorate to directors of social services in England. Copies of which are available in the Library.