Tuesday, February 24, 2009

ABC Online - "Children's charity supports same sex adoptions"

A NSW parliamentary inquiry is investigating whether to extend adoption rights to same sex couples

A NSW parliamentary inquiry is investigating whether to extend adoption rights to same sex couples (AAP: Sam Mooy)

A major children's welfare service in New South Wales says it would support changes to the law to allow same sex couples to adopt children.

The chief executive of Barnardos, Louise Voight, has appeared before a parliamentary inquiry which is examining whether there needs to be changes to the Adoption Act.

The charity deals with abused children, and encourages its foster carers to think about adoption.

Ms Voight says eight per cent of its carers are same sex couples, and she has seen no research to suggest they would not make good adoptive parents.

"Outcome research that has been done, that i am aware of, where in fact they have looked at what the effects upon children are, have not shown detrimental effects," she said.

However, Jane West, who is in charge of adoptions at Anglicare, has told the inquiry that the current rules should not be changed.

She says ideally the child should be placed in a situation that promotes their emotional and social development.

"Same sex adoptive parenting is outside the norm, and adopted children already struggle with feelings of difference," she said.

"In Anglicare's view, it is important to avoid imposing more than the necessary adjustments on them."

[Link: Original Article]

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