HC Deb 30 March 1994 vol 240 cc888-9W
Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the length of time a child is fostered prior to adoption.

Mr. Bowis

No definitive timescale can be given about the length of time a child might spend in foster care prior to adoption. A placement can be made only when all the important factors of the child's circumstances and needs have been carefully considered as well as the availability of prospective adopters to meet those needs.