ABSTRACT
Adoption has undergone more change in recent times than for a quarter of a century. It has been one of those rare times when the chance presents itself to mark a generation. This change has ushered in a new legal framework, adoption standards, practice guidance, an adoption register, an adoption and permanency council, a task force and targets and indicators. From a sleepy and marginalised issue in social work and social policy, adoption is now centre stage. With all the energy, drive and resources that these new developments command, it is vital that we do not see this as just a new beginning but that we can learn from history and experience and not repeat past mistakes.
