Adoption and Law: The Unique Personal Experiences of Birth Mothers in Adoption Proceedings

This book explores the experiences of birth mothers in state-sanctioned adoption proceedings in the UK, using a socio-legal framework. It features personal interviews and conversations with 32 birth mothers, highlighting perspectives and voices that are often overlooked in professional practice. The book calls for the recognition and strengthening of the statutory rights, support, and care of birth mothers. It also provides an insightful analysis of legal child adoption, including the development and reform of adoption law over history. The book discusses relevant case law and offers authoritative guidance on adoption practice. It is suitable for undergraduate students and a broader multidisciplinary audience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the complex and often challenging experiences of birth mothers who navigate state-sanctioned adoption proceedings in the United Kingdom. Utilizing a socio-legal framework, it offers a profound exploration of the diverse perspectives and voices of 32 birth mothers, shedding light on their experiences that are often overlooked in mainstream discourses of professional practice in this field of law. Moreover, the book fervently advocates for the recognition and enhancement of the statutory rights, support, and care of birth mothers, recognizing their vital role in the adoption process.

The book's comprehensive scope encompasses various aspects and controversies surrounding legal child adoption, providing a historical backdrop and shedding light on the deep-rooted political and social tensions associated with this practice. The unique narratives of birth mothers, told from their subjective perspectives, offer a powerful contrast to the legal theories that govern adoption. Throughout the book, obiter dicta and authoritative guidance from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal in landmark cases such as Re B (A Child) (Care Proceedings: Appeal) [2013] UKSC 33 and Re B-S (Children) (Adoption: Leave to Oppose) [2013] EWCA Civ 1146 are discussed, offering valuable insights into adoption practice. Additionally, the book examines the recent Court of Appeals ruling in Re B (A Child) (Post-Adoption Contact) [2019] EWCA Civ 29, which represents the first case to address post-adoption contact since the amendment of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 through the insertion of section 51A and 51B. These provisions provide for court-ordered post-adoption contact, reflecting the evolving legal landscape and the importance of maintaining connections between birth mothers and their children.

This book is particularly well-suited for undergraduate students, as well as a broader multidisciplinary audience interested in understanding the complexities of adoption and the rights of birth mothers. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by birth mothers in state-sanctioned adoption proceedings.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 153 x 233 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367524296