Minutes:
The Panel considered a presentation of the Strategic Manager for Looked After Children and Permanence which provided an update on the regionalisation of adoption services (for copy of presentation see file of minutes).
The Panel was informed that a Regional Adoption Agency has been established named ‘Coast to Coast’ which enables the local authorities of Sunderland, Durham and Cumbria to work together to widen the pool of prospective adopters. One of the authorities will become the host authority, and details will be shared in due course. Administration and finance functions will remain with the respective authorities. Consultations have been held with trade unions and human resources with regard to the transfer of staff into the new organisation.
Resolved
That the recommendations contained in the report be approved.