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Agenda item

South East Wales Adoption Service - Report on performance 2017/18 and briefing on regional financial policy.

Minutes:

Context:

 

To scrutinise the performance of the South East Wales Adoption Service (SEWAS) and the National Adoption Service (NAS) for 2017/18. The report is required in line with the Regulations as set out in The Local Authority Adoption Service (Wales) Regulations 2007 and the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (Joint Adoption Arrangements) (Wales) Directions 2005.

 

Key Issues:

 

The National Adoption Service (NAS) was launched in November 2014 with a remit of expectations to:

 

·         Eradicate drift for children in care.

·         Eliminate waiting lists for training and assessment of adopters.

·         Improve the matching process for children.

·         Allay adoption breakdowns by improving adoption support.

·         Streamline the process to ensure better linking for children.

·         Provide a wide choice of placements through increased use of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (VAA).

·         Ensuring consistent delivery across Wales.

 

The key aims of the National Adoption Service are essentially that children are found adoptive homes that meet their needs and the adoption process is completed in a timely manner to avoid drift for children.  The emphasis on collaboration is working well and the five regions in Wales are becoming a constructive network to improve performance and promote best practice. Performance has improved across all the regions and although not always consistent due to extenuating circumstances, regionalisation is improving outcomes for children. 

 

The South East Wales Adoption Service (SEWAS) is one of the larger regions and has a high level of demand for services. Overall, the Looked After Children population for the region rose by 19% in recent years, with significant increases in Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent a contributory factor. The ethos of SEWAS reflects that of the National Service, in that the overarching goal is to improve outcomes for children.  There have been improvements in some of the performance measures, but clearly more work to do.

 

Member Scrutiny:

 

·         Many children referred to the SEWAS in recent years have complex needs, often with a history of trauma.  Preparation work has to be undertaken and support provided before these children can be placed with their adopted parents. 

 

·         The assessment process is very stringent. The assessing social worker will outline the criteria with prospective adopters to ascertain which child would be suited to their family life.

 

·         Matching meetings are held which also follow a very stringent process to ensure that the most suitable adopter is identified for the child.  The child’s social worker is invited to these meetings to provide input.

 

·         The regional service being provided is working very well and has been a considerable benefit to Monmouthshire in driving up standards and practice and in understanding the needs of adopted children and parents.

 

·         The final decision regarding placement of a child will come to Monmouthshire County Council.

 

·         The Adoption Panel comprises of a variety of people with the relevant experience within this field.  The process is very detailed and robust covering every aspect with a view to ensuring the correct match is made for the child.

 

 

 

Committee’s Conclusion:

 

·         The Select Committee noted the report.

 

·         Select Committee had been made aware of the complexities involved within this service and congratulated the Service for the positive work being undertaken.

 

·         Good collaboration existed between the local Authority and the South East Wales Adoption Service.

 

 

 

 

Supporting documents: