Agenda item

The Panel considered the Adoption Annual Report which reviewed the service during 2021-22 and highlighted priorities for 2022-23 (for copy of report see file of minutes).

The Practice Lead for Children and Young People highlighted the continued strong performance with 42 adoptive families on their adoption journey as at 31 March 2022 and, during the year 2021-22, 65 children had been matched with adoptive families.

The Panel noted two significant issues in respect of adoption nationally which had a significant impact on workloads. The first was an Ombudsman finding against a local authority which led to an increase in work for adoption agencies nationally.  Secondly, the resolution of the Somerset Judgement caused delays for children waiting to be matched with prospective adopters.

The Practice Lead responded to questions and comments from the Panel as follows:

·      The Panel questioned why, out of 217 enquiries only 62 had led to initial visits. The Practice Lead clarified that some enquiries were not suitable to be progressed and a number of enquiries were requests for information only. A breakdown of the figures and further details will be incorporated into future adoption updates.

·      The Practice Lead clarified that the young people placed with families in Cumbria were placed there as those families were the best adoptive matches and reiterated that Cumbria forms part of the Regional Adoption Agency. 

·      Referring to the map showing the number of enquiries per postcode, the Panel observed fewer enquiries from the west of the county and the Practice Lead pointed out that the relatively low population density in the rural west may be a factor. This will be looked at and reported on in future updates, if necessary.

·      The Practice Lead informed the Panel that the recruitment drive for new panel members seeks to be reflective of the community, therefore members are recruited from all backgrounds, including experts from social work and medical fields, elected members and people with personal experience of fostering and adoption.

Resolved:

That the priorities contained within the report be agreed.