However, on a more positive note, while the rate of adoption has fallen, the adoption rate is now matched by special guardianship orders, which typically keep the child in the extended family. A review by the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory recommends much more support for potential special guardians, but the introduction of special guardianship has undoubtedly been beneficial. The experiences powerfully conveyed in the Guardian this week (Adoption process is unduly negative, Letters, 17 December; Glossing over the challenges of adoption sets families up to fail, Letters, 19 December) indicate that this is so as much today as it has been in the past. Dr John SimmondsDirector of policy, research and development, CoramBAAF• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters• Do you have a photo you’d like to share with Guardian readers? Click here to upload it and we’ll publish the best submissions in the letters spread of our print edition

Source: The Guardian December 20, 2019 17:48 UTC