Adoption Conference 4th-5th Sept. 2014

Adoption law and practice in Ireland has been undergoing a significant period of transition in recent times, particularly with the onset of the children’s rights movement. While it has always been a sensitive issue which has generated much political controversy, debate and discussion, adoption law and practice must now be reframed in light of changing cultural contexts and differing family structures with a specific focus on children’s rights. This interdisciplinary and international conference will provide a unique forum for international debate and discussion on this critical issue as well a platform for sharing specialist knowledge and experiences.

Adoption law and social work practice is currently in major transition in Ireland with rapid cultural change, legal change and changing societal attitudes being amongst the major influences. Indeed, the latter is clear from the passing of last year’s referendum on children’s rights (currently subject to SCt appeal) and the on-going debate on same-sex marriage. These unprecedented legal changes all have knock on effects for Irish adoption law and practice. Moreover, the face of international adoption is also fast changing. Although relatively recent, the Adoption Act 2010 (a consolidated version of its predecessor with some minor reforms) is out-dated by international comparison. Moreover, it is inconsistent with Irish Adoption practice.

It is imperative that the necessary reform of adoption law is informed by best practice worldwide and the experiences of stakeholders and professionals working in the field. This conference will be comparative in nature, tapping into existing knowledge from other jurisdictions that have already addressed some of these challenging areas.

Conference Convenors: Dr. Aisling Parkes, Law Dept UCC and Dr. Simone McCaughren, School of Applied Social Studies UCC

Key note speakers include: Philomena Lee, Dr. Pien Bos (Universiteit voor Humanistiek), Peter Selman (Newcastle University), Nigel Cantwell (UNICEF), Susan Lohan (Adoption Rights Alliance) and many more..

Line-up of high profile speakers will also include:

Her Honour Judge Rosemary Horgan, President of the District Court
Representative from the Adoption Authority of Ireland
Nick King
Daniel Ryan

Programme available shortly at the following link http://www.ucc.ie/en/lawsite/eventsandnews/

5 CPD (General group study hours) per day.

This event is kindly funded by the Irish Research Council

Venue & Parking:
The venue is located in the UCC Brookfield complex on College Road
http://143.239.128.67/en/visitors/
Parking at the main UCC campus, and at the Brookfield complex, is limited. For visitor parking please access the following link http://www.ucc.ie/en/visitors/parking/

Registration Options:
Conference Fee:€50 one day
Conference Fee €80 two days

Reduced Fee:€35 (one day attendance) The reduced fee is available to newly qualified social work practitioners and to barristers in their first five years in practice, trainee solicitors and solicitors with up to three years post qualification experience.

Reduced Fee:€60 (two days attendance) The reduced fee is available to newly qualified social work practitioners and to barristers in their first five years in practice, trainee solicitors and solicitors with up to three years post qualification experience.

Full time students can attend for free

Contact: Noreen Delea, Events Manager, Faculty of Law, UCC : 021 4903220. Email: