The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has commented on recent claims that families who move to England from Slovakia and Russia are being unfairly targeted to satisfy demand from prospective British adopters.

BASW professional officer Sue Kent said:

“It is simply not true that social workers swoop in, take a child and have them adopted just because they feel like it, or because the parents have come from another country. It is not only Slovakian or Russian parents who have made these outlandish claims, parents from the UK can, and do, claim that their children have been unfairly removed on a whim from loving homes. The truth is a lot more complex and involves following strict protocols and legal process.

“It is important to note that in England, social workers are legally prevented from publicly discussing the details of each case, which is often why the media report only the family’s side of the story. Without knowing the full details of each case from both sides, it is very difficult for an outside media organisation to decide on the truth.

“Social workers and other professionals working with all children in England, regardless of their or their parents’ country of origin, are governed by legislation and guidance issued from central government, as is the case in many other countries. This legislation puts the welfare of the child first, not the welfare of the parents.”