Scottish Catholic Observer

A Scottish Catholic agency battling to retain its charitable status has been short-listed for the prestigious UK National Adoption Week Awards.

The work of St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society has been recognised by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering, which has shortlisted the Glasgow-based charity, alongside two other agencies, for the Voluntary Adoption Service of the Year Award.

The news has come as a welcome boost for the team at St Margaret’s, who are currently fighting a ruling from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) that threatens its future.

Responding to the awards’ announcement, Michael Mesarowicz, St Margaret’s director, said it comes as ‘a great boost for staff and the many families we work with, of all faiths and none, who know of the good work we do on a daily basis to help find families for children in need.’

“Despite the distressing challenges we have faced over the last year, we are committed to improving and expanding our services,” Mr Mesarowicz said. “St Margaret’s is Scotland’s smallest voluntary adoption agency but we have purchased new premises close to our current base at Charing Cross in Glasgow.

“Being named in the top three agencies in our field across the UK is a very welcome recognition of the work we do.”

Fr Tom White, chairman of St Margaret’s, said he believes the agency has been shortlisted for the Adoption Week Awards due to its ‘pioneering’ work with attachment issues for children and its origins’ counselling.

Fr White added that he hopes the agency’s new premises, which will be named St Margaret’s Centre for the Family, will enhance St Margaret’s approach to adoption and education.

A cloud still hangs over St Margaret’s future, however. OSCR has ruled that the agency’s constitution—which states that St Margaret’s is established ‘to assess the suitability of applicants as adoptive parents in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church’—is not providing ‘public benefit’ and, therefore, it says the agency must be removed from the Charities Register.

A decision from the Scottish Charities Appeal Panel on St Margaret’s case is expected this month. Brian McGuigan, a member of St Margaret’s board, said that, even in the face of adversity and an uncertain future, staff members are continuing to offer the care and support they have become synonymous with at the Glasgow agency.

Among those who have benefited from the ‘excellent’ service offered by St Margaret’s is Emily Bradley, who, with her husband, Scott, recently adopted two children through the Glasgow agency.

“Adoption is a very difficult process but St Margaret’s are very supportive and I couldn’t have asked for any more from the team there,” Mrs Bradley said. “Even now, I could pick up the phone at any time and somebody at St Margaret’s would be there to help me. If St Margaret’s was to lose its charitable status it would be a devastating loss for anybody that has dealt with them.”

The other nominees for the title Voluntary Adoption Service of the Year are FACTS (Fostering and Adoption Consultation and Therapeutic Support) London and TALKadoption, Manchester.

Winners of the UK National Adoption Week Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on Tuesday.

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—This story ran in full in the November 1 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.