Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Service Director (Children’s Safeguarding and Prevention)

The report provides a briefing in relation to recent government measures to reduce delay in placing children for adoption, outlines the approach taken by Stockport in response, and provides information in relation to historical and current performance.

The Scrutiny Committee are invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Sue Westwood on Tel: 474 2726 or email: sue.westwood@stockport.gov.uk

The Service Director (Children’s Safeguarding and Prevention) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a commentary in relation to recent government measures to reduce delays in placing children for adoption, outlining the approach taken by the Council in response and providing information in relation to historical and current performance.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The shortfall in adopters available in comparison to the numbers of children waiting remained a major concern for the Adoption services and the North West in general. As a high recruiter of adopters, Stockport was a significant provider of adopters to other authorities, but lack of recruitment elsewhere impacted on resources for Stockport children.

·         In 2011, a regional collaboration was formed with three other authorities, Cheshire East, Trafford and Tameside with a focus on improved recruitment over a wider geographical area. The collaboration enabled each individual authority to meet new regulations and standards for approval of adopters when they came into force in 2012.

·         Services commissioned for children with complex needs and the Child Specific Recruitment Project and the ‘It’s All About Me’ project. Bespoke plans are designed around a child and the family. Adoption Support assessments can be provided at any time.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.