Suitable for adoption
From Felicity Collier Sir: Paul Johnson's criticism of social workers as people who 'from ideology or sheer hatred of humanity make adoption so difficult' (And another thing, 3 March) is unjust and unfair. Far from making it more difficult to adopt than a generation ago, socialservices departments are crying out for more adoptive parents to come forward who are equipped for the challenge of offering a permanent home to children who often have very complex needs.
Undertaking proper checks on potential adoptive parents is absolutely essential in order to protect the welfare of vulnerable and often distressed children. The recent media furore over the suitability of the Kilshaws as adoptive parents, and the public outrage over the ease with which they acquired the twins, only goes to prove the point, Paul Johnson is right when he says that 'not everyone has a right to a child'. I wish he would follow through the logic of that argument and refrain from unfairly blaming social workers for putting the needs of children who do not have a voice before those of adults who do.
Felicity Collier
Chief Executive, British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering, London SE1
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