To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what assessment he has made of (a) delays caused in adoption to fostered children going through the court process without a care order under section 31 of the Children’s Act 1989 and (b) the disruption in the care provided to such children caused by such delays; and if he will make a statement; (145730)

The Government’s view is that delays in relation to the adoption of a child, whether or not the child is also the subject of care proceedings, are likely to be damaging and prejudicial to his/her welfare, to the extent that it may contribute to disruption. This is the case whether it arises from delays in processes that are the responsibility of local authorities, such as the operation of adoption panels, or those that arise in the family courts.