Agenda item

The Panel received the six monthly review of the adoption service as a spoke in the Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).

Sharon Davey, Strategic Manager, highlighted that within the reporting period, nine adoptive families had been approved. Matches for children with adopters continued to be carried out in a timely manner, to promote early permanence for children. In addition, non-agency adoption referral work was increasing. Eleven panels met during the period and work was ongoing with regard to the recruitment of new panel members to increase the central list. Members interested in joining the panel were asked to inform the Senior Partnerships Officer. 

Post-adoption support is an area of strength, with 119 young people supported and 64 successful applications made to the Adoption Support Fund to purchase additional therapeutic support. The Adoption Support Fund includes kinship carers and Special Guardians, to ensure they receive the same level of support as adoptive parents. Support is also provided to birth parents to help them to write letters to adopted children.

Councillor Adcock-Forster spoke positively of his involvement in the Adoption Panel and he encouraged members to consider joining the panel in the future.

In response to an observation from the Vice-Chair on the number of enquiries received which seemed comparatively low, the Strategic Manager clarified that the report was a mid-point review, however, the number of enquires had reduced. This trend was reflected nationally and possible causes were cited as the aftermath of the pandemic and cost of living pressures. The Strategic Manager spoke of the continuing work to ensure messages are conveyed regarding the amount of support available, including the Adoption Support Fund.

Councillor Deinali thanked the team for their valuable work done to support birth parents to write letters to adopted children.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.