About Us
Who we are
The Council of Irish Adoption Agencies (CIAA) is a forum of adoption agencies. Membership of CIAA is open to all accredited bodies and HSE adoption services. CIAA has been in operation since 1961. CIAA members meet three times a year to consider, address and advocate on the basis of best practice in all aspects of adoption. An Executive group comprising of seven members meet quarterly to organise, oversee and carry out the agreed plans of CIAA.
Adoption agencies are required to designate a social work professional to represent their individual adoption agency at Council and or Executive meetings. CIAA aims to encourage through research, provision of relevant adoption information and continuous professional development workshops that all its members operate to the highest professional standards. CIAA is a member of the Irish Association of Social Workers.
Funding
The Council is funded by an annual membership fee from each adoption agency and from a grant by the HSE Eastern Regional Health Authority.
The Council of Irish Adoption Agencies believes that for children who, for whatever reason, cannot be reared by their birth families “adoption provides the strongest legal guarantee of permanence ……. For those children who cannot be raised by their birth parents, adoption is the permanency option most likely to ensure protection, stability, nurturing, and lifelong relationships throughout their childhood as well as into their adulthood. Individuals do not outgrow their need for the relationships and the support offered through family ties” (Child Welfare League of America, 2000, p11)