What: Redefining Adoption in a New Era: Opportunities and Challenges for Law and Practice

When: 4-5 September 2014

Where: University College Cork, Ireland

Featured Speakers: Philomena Lee and Susan Lohan

Adoption law and practice in Ireland has been undergoing a significant period of transition in recent times, particularly with the onset of the children’s rights movement. While it has always been a sensitive issue which has generated much political controversy, debate and discussion, the conference seeks to reframe adoption law and practice in light of changing cultural contexts and differing family structures with a specific focus on children’s rights.

Philomena Lee, whose moving story of the search for her son inspired the recent movie ‘Philomena’, will contribute to the conference, as will Susan Lohan of the Adoption Rights Alliance and experts Dr Pien Bos of the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands, Dr Peter Selman, Newcastle University, Nigel Cantwell of UNICEF and Her Honour Judge Rosemary Horgan, President of the District Court, amongst others.

Further information: UCC Events Page

Updated, 8 September 2014: Read Sylvia Tighe Murphy’s review of Philomena Lee’s address to the conference here.