The Adoption and Children Act

The Adoption and Children Act 2002 is a UK law that reformed adoption procedures to make them more child-centered. It emphasizes the welfare of the child as the priority in all adoption decisions and streamlines the adoption process, allowing for more flexible types of adoption, including 'special guardianship.' The Act also allows for the adoption of children from care more efficiently and promotes the importance of maintaining contact with birth families when appropriate. Overall, it aims to provide loving, stable homes for children in need while ensuring their rights and well-being are protected.