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Adoptive Parents: Financial Support
14 January 2025
Lead MP
Lisa Smart
Hazel Grove
LD
Responding Minister
Andrew Western
Tags
Employment
Word Count: 5770
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Lisa Smart raised concerns about adoptive parents: financial support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I urge Departments across Government to prioritise financial support for self-employed adopters and extend statutory adoption pay or introduce an equivalent benefit to ensure that all prospective adopters receive the same level of support as employed individuals.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The case of Kirsty highlights a significant gap in the financial support system that discourages self-employed individuals from adopting. Despite statutory guidance allowing local authorities to make discretionary means-tested payments, such support is not guaranteed and only 66% of local authorities have any policy for providing this assistance, leaving many adoptive parents with no financial safety net.
Danny Kruger
Con
East Wiltshire
The hon. Member acknowledged the significant improvements made by previous Governments and paid tribute to efforts like the introduction of adoption leave and additional support funds for adopted children. Spoke about local council roles in decision making, importance of clarity and funding for local authorities, and early childhood development understanding.
David Johnston
Lab
Nottingham East
Acknowledges the work of kinship carers who are crucial in providing care and support for children.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
He praised the hon. Member for Hazel Grove and discussed his work in Northern Ireland on adoption legislation, highlighting the need for immediate action to improve support for adoptive parents. The hon. Member for South Antrim highlighted local government experience in Northern Ireland and raised concerns about spiralling statistics of children in care, emphasizing the importance of sustainable adoption.
Steve Darling
Con
Torbay
The hon. Member spoke about his personal experience as an adopted child and highlighted the importance of supporting self-employed individuals in adoption. He also mentioned the benefits of Home for Good, a service that supports adoption through faith-based communities. The hon. Member for Torbay questioned current funding levels for the Adoption Support Fund until April 2025 and highlighted the need to address stereotypes about adoption as receiving a baby, pointing out that many adoptive parents take time off work due to complex needs of adopted children. Discussed the adoption support fund and its future security, highlighting challenges faced by adoptive families.
Government Response
Andrew Western
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Government Response
Emphasizes the Government's commitment to supporting working families, noting reforms aimed at enhancing flexibility and assistance. Acknowledges the specific challenges faced by adoptive parents but reiterates that maternity payments are intended to protect women’s health rather than cover adoption-related costs.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.