To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the implementation of the Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.

The Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (the Act) received Royal Assent in April 2022. The Act is substantial with many provisions inter-linked. Extensive public consultation and approximately twenty-five pieces of subordinate legislation and accompanying guidance will be required to fully implement the Act.

Following Royal Assent, a detailed phasing schedule was developed to support implementation over a five-year period from 2022 to 2027, subject to necessary Ministerial approvals, secured budgets and social care workforce capacity. Phase 1 actions were implemented within the initial 2022/2023 timeframe. However, it was not possible to proceed with the Phase 2 actions in 2023/2024 due to significant budgetary and social care workforce constraints. As a result, those provisions which could be implemented on the basis that there were no additional resource implications were identified. The remaining Phase 2 provisions were delayed until 2024/2025.

Whilst work has now resumed, the timescales for implementation of the Act will depend on the provision of additional and sustained funding.