Based on their experience as advisers to the Isle of Wight Adoption Panel, Sarah Pepys and Jennie Dix examine the practice of inviting adoption applicants, birth parents and young people to attend adoption panel when their plans or assessments are under consideration. They look at the setting up of a pilot scheme in 1994, which focused on preparing panel members, drawing together procedures and addressing practical problems, and describe subsequent developments and reviews. The authors argue that inviting all parties to share their views leads to better informed panel recommendations and enhanced planning for children for whom adoption is being considered. Mindful of the forthcoming implementation of the Human Rights Act, with its emphasis on fairness and the need to consider each individual's rights, it is timely for adoption agencies to consider how they demonstrate the openness of their practice.
