Hemming challenges Government on Adoption Figures

7.17.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 12th Jul 2007

John Hemming MP is Challenging the Government on unjust adoptions.

Speaking in the House of Commons earlier today, John Hemming MP, Chairman of Justice for Families, highlighted that "in Scotland more than 65 per cent. of children who leave care aged under five return to their parents. In England, more than 60 per cent. of children taken into care aged under five are adopted."

In reply, Harriet Harman MP, Leader of the House, recognised that "the family justice system has been a poor relation to the criminal justice system".

John Hemming said:

"These statistics show that the system in England is not returning children to their parents when that is possible, but instead is concentrating on getting them adopted. The enticement of government money for getting children adopted clearly has an effect, but is fundamentally wrong."

"We need to stop these injustices now. The government needs to act."