Issue - meetings

Report by Terence Herbert, Associate Director -Operational Children’s Services

Councillor Laura Mayes presented a report which sought to ensure that Cabinet was satisfied that the adoption agency was effective and achieving good outcomes for children, young people and service users.

This six monthly written report on the management, outcomes and financial

state of the adoption agency was a statutory requirement and covered the period 1October 2013 to 31 March 2014.

A number of significant changes had been implemented within the service in response to the continuing focus on adoption reform. Against a backdrop of continuing change and development, the service had improved its performance and risen to the challenges posed by the adoption reform agenda.

It was noted that the number of adoption orders granted had increased from 14 in 2012/13 to 40 in 2013/14 and the number of adopters approved increased from 26 in 2012/13 to 40 in 2013/14.  It was noted that some parts of the adoption process were outside the control of the Council eg the family justice system and in particular the allocation of court time. However, reports were being improved to ensure all necessary information was documented to avoid the risk of deferrals by the courts.

Cllr Jon Hubbard confirmed that the Children’s Select Committee had considered the matter and shared the opinion of Laura Mayes that the report presented was very encouraging and should be regarded as very good news indeed.

Resolved:

That the report be noted and that Cabinet’s congratulations for the hard work in bringing about the continued improvement of the service be conveyed to the Adoption Team.

Reason for decision:

The 2011 Statutory Adoption Guidance and the 2011 Adoption Minimum Standards place a requirement on local authority adoption services to ensure that Wiltshire Council Cabinet is satisfied that the Adoption Agency is effective; achieving good outcomes for children, young people and service users; and complying with the conditions of registration.