1 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
2 INTRODUCTION Liverpool City Council Children and Families Service are committed to ensuring the provision of a comprehensive Adoption Service. This Statement of Purpose fulfils the requirement of Standard 18 of the Adoption National Minimum Standards revised in 2011 (Care Standards Act 2000) It works within the requirements of legislation and guidance outlined in the following: Children Act 1989 Children Act 2004 Adoption and Children Act 2002 National Adoption Standards for England, Department of Health 2001 National Minimum Standards and Regulations Adoption, Care Standards Act 2002 Adoption Regulations 2013 Adoption Act 1976 Local Authority Adoption Service (England) Regulations 2003 Placement of Children Regulations 1991 Adoption Support Services (Local Authorities) (England) Regulations 2003 The Statement of Purpose should also be read in conjunction with Liverpool City Council Children s Services Procedures and Professional Instructions, in particular the Permanence Policy. The Government s Action Plan for Adoption: Tackling Delay Liverpool Adoption Service has made significant changes in its organisation following the Government s Action Plan and the new Adoption Regulations 2013. The action plan is designed to speed up the adoption system in England, so that more children can benefit from being adopted into loving homes that meet their needs. There are more legislative changes ahead during 2014 to drive this improvement, as well as additional funding for adoption to support wider improvement in adoption services. Liverpool City Council has taken advice and guidance from Outcomes UK in further developing the Adoption Service as means to implementing significant changes and to ensure that the structure and future planning of the Adoption Service meets the needs of those children who require Adoption. Liverpool City Council has also implemented the New Adopter Process for prospective Adopters and is part of the National Agenda for Change to improve timescales of assessment to approval in line with the Government s Action Plan.
3 AIMS/OBJECTIVES & PRINCIPLES Liverpool City Council Children s Service is committed to delivering a range of high quality Adoption Services, providing assistance and support to meet the needs of children, birth families, prospective adopters, adoptive families and adopted adults. Liverpool City Council believes that, where possible, it is best for children to be brought up by their own birth family. Where this is not possible, then Adoption should be seen as a positive option for children by providing an alternative means of growing up in a loving family and providing a sense of permanence and belonging. The aims/objectives of the services are as follows: To place the welfare, safety and needs of children at the centre of the Adoption Process. Such considerations must therefore take precedence over those of anyone else involved in the process. To ensure that for each child, where Adoption is identified as the plan, delay in achieving an appropriate match is minimised. To respect and promote the child s specific needs arising from ethnic origin, cultural background, religion, language and disability when decisions are made. To listen to children and take into account their wishes and feelings when making decisions on their behalf. To ensure that children are properly prepared for adoption and kept informed at all stages of the Adoption Process. To recruit or locate sufficient numbers of prospective adopters to match the wide range of individual needs of Looked After children requiring Adoption. To ensure that all inquiries concerning Adoption are dealt with promptly and that prospective adopters are welcomed and treated with respect. Prospective adopters will be provided with clear written information, good quality preparation training and assessed fairly and thoroughly against their ability to provide care and commitment through adoption. An Adoption Service Social Worker is the first point of contact and this enables a coordinated approach. To value and respect the role of adoptive parents by maintaining links and helping to deliver a range of appropriate support services in response to assessed needs To recognise the specific needs of birth families in Adoption and provide or help access services, which take account of feelings of loss and grief. To value and respect birth families wishes and feelings. To take account of their
4 views when planning for Adoption and to maximise the contribution they can make to promoting and preserving a child s heritage and sense of identity. Step-parent counselling and Adoption. Where a birth parent has re-married or married for the first time and their partner wishes to adopt the birth parent s child, the Adoption Service provides a service regarding the process and will provide information regarding alternative Legal Orders. To ensure provision of counselling for adopted adults wishing to seek information surrounding the circumstances of their adoption. Provision of advice and information to those seeking to adopt from overseas and to arrange for home study reports to be carried out. Liverpool City Council recognises that in some circumstances, inter-country adoption may meet the needs of individual children from overseas. Overall, to provide services which reflect the life-long implications of Adoption. Liverpool City Council recognises that to achieve this, collaboration is required in supporting Adoption and meeting the wide range of needs experienced by children. ADOPTION SERVICES Liverpool City Council Adoption Service is responsible for service delivery for Adoption under three broad headings. These are: Service for Children & Young People Services for Birth Families Service for Adoptive Parents SERVICES FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE Preparation of the Child Liverpool City Council recognises the importance of preparing a child for Adoption. All involved in the process, the child s social worker, the adoption social worker, foster carers, health service professionals and birth family members may directly or indirectly work or have contact with the child during the preparation period. Liverpool City Council Adoption & Fostering Service will aid and support the work of all parties involved in planning and preparation through: All children where adoption has been identified having an identified social worker. Every child will have a Care Plan which is monitored and reviewed
5 When adoption has been identified as in the child s best interest, any delays will be monitored and minimised. To ensure the child s views, wishes and feelings are listened to and they are given the opportunity to participate where possible in their plan. If a child is a young baby then their social worker will ensure that they act on the child s behalf and use the child s permanence report to advocate what the child may want or need. Statutory visits to the child will be adhered to and monitored. These will take place within the first week of placement and weekly until the first review. After the first review frequency of visits will be agreed but will be no less than once every six weeks. Birth Records/Counselling Liverpool City Council offers a service to adopted adults who wish to undertake the following. This service is provided by After Adoption Obtain a birth certificate Locate their adoption file Trace birth family members Take no further action after the counselling SERVICE FOR BIRTH PARENTS Liverpool City Council will remain in contact with and fully inform Birth Parents of their children s progress when it has been identified that Adoption is the plan. We ensure that: Birth Parents are contacted at the earliest opportunity after the child s case is allocated and that the social worker arranges to meet with the Birth Parents and ensures they have relevant contact details should they have any enquiries.
6 Birth Parents views on their child s care and planning for adoption are taken into account and where possible given valid consideration during matching. Birth Parents are fully informed when significant steps are taken and agreed in the adoption process, including attendance at court, linking /& matching. Birth Parents are kept up to date with the child s day to day progress. Contact is maintained as instructed by the court until such time a child is linked and matched or the Court instructs otherwise. Where relevant; other family members are kept informed, particularly if they were a significant part of the child s life or have contact. Ensure that a referral is made on behalf of all birth parents to Birth Ties managed by After Adoption for support. Counselling Liverpool City Council ensures that adoption counselling is made available to birth family members; this is called Birth Ties. Liverpool City Council has a service level agreement with the After Adoption Agency to provide this service. Other services provided by After Adoption under contract with Liverpool City Council are as follows: Local drop-in support Counselling Support groups SERVICES FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTERS Further information either through direct contact or attending information events which are held bi-monthly Initial visits, counselling and training. The opportunity of meeting existing adopters Information about the Adoption Support Services we provide The opportunity of attending a Post Adoption Support Group
7 Eligibility Criteria All prospective adopters receive information about the eligibility procedure. Liverpool City Council Adoption Service will not exclude applicants, except for those excluded by Regulations, but will pay particular attention to the following: Single applicants must be 21 years of age. Married applicants must also be 21 years of age, unless one of the applicants is a birth parent in which case the applicant must be 18 years of age (this type of situation is more common to step-parent adoptions). We would advise such birth parents to seek legal advice on the matter. It is expected that the applicants will be of sufficient health and vigour to raise a child through his or her childhood. Where applicants do have pets in the home, we would want to ensure they are managed appropriately and that they do not present a risk to children. We use BAAF guidelines Placing Children with Dog Owning Families to discuss this issue with prospective applicants Encouragement to applicants to lead a healthy lifestyle, which may include a non-smoking environment. The negative impact on health and smoking is well established. The effects of passive smoking and the role model presented by parents to children also need to be considered, especially in relation to very young children or to children with particular health problems i.e. asthma. If a couple are childless through infertility, the applicants are advised that embarking upon an Adoption application at the same time as undergoing infertility treatment can be stressful. We will discuss this with the applicants. Applicants are expected to attend all adopter s preparation groups and any subsequent training sessions. Where the enhanced Criminal Records disclosure form indicates the applicants or an adult member of the household has a caution or conviction specified within the Schedule of Offences, the applicant will be notified in writing specifying the caution/conviction as soon as possible stating that their application cannot proceed. Where a DBS check is received with offences, which the lead signatory considers relevant, a decision will be made as to whether this excludes the applicant from further consideration. If so, a letter will be sent advising of the adverse reference and their assessing social worker would visit them to discuss the implications.
8 Where the offence is considered to be minor or some time passed the Adoption Social Worker will discuss the details with the applicant and write a report to be considered by the Service Manager, Corporate Parenting and the Lead Signatory who will decide on whether the application can proceed. A Policy exists for the Approval of Carers who are employed by the Council. Applicants, who work within Childrens Services, will be referred on to other local adoption agencies. Applicants with other links to Childrens Services who work for another part of Liverpool City Council will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Referral onto another agency or an independent assessor being an option where the link is considered too close to ensure adequate independence in terms of the approval process. When applicants are identified as knowing Panel members, the Panel can then be informed in advance to ensure that contingency arrangements can then be made. One option will be for applicants to be taken to another Panel. Another would be for a Panel member to stand down during the discussion of that assessment. Initial Enquiries Within twenty four hours of prospective adopters making an initial enquiry they will be contacted and invited to attend an information meeting or to arrange a home visit if attendance at the information meeting is not possible or would cause undue delay. This provides an opportunity for prospective adopters to ask further questions they may have about Adoption and reach a decision whether or not they wish to proceed. Prospective adopters will be given the opportunity to meet with other approved adopters, at the information meetings in order to learn from their experiences. If for any reason Liverpool is unable to proceed with their application due to resources or other challenges then the adopters should be referred to the National Gateway via First4 Adoption. This process is underwritten by the Adopters Passport a recently introduced commitment from the Government to ensure all adopters feel valued and respected, and is an initiative fully supported by Liverpool City Council. Once the applicants have been put forward to attend a preparation group they will be allocated an adoption social worker who will undertake their assessment. There are Two stages to the assessment which are: Stage One (period of two months) Completion of criminal records check (Enhanced Criminal Bureau Checks are made on all members of the household over 18yrs of age), medicals, local authority checks, financial checks, written references from three referees one
9 of whom should be a family member, previous partner references (particularly if they had children) pet assessment and letter from Vet (if required), all relevant forms of identification seen e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate, driving license. Completion of self- assessment form by applicants which demonstrates their commitment to adoption and open and honesty about their information If Liverpool City Council are satisfied that they applicants have met all of the above criteria without any significant concerns then the applicants will be notified in writing they have now formally moved to Stage Two of the process Stage Two (period of four months) In this period the assessing social worker will undertake a home study assessment and visit referees. The home study assessment of prospective adopters consists of a series of interviews in the home of the applicants. Liverpool Adoption Service utilises the BAAF Prospective Adopters Report (PAR) format and guidance for gathering a range of information about applicants, their lifestyle and their capacity to adopt. Overall, the Assessment is about ensuring that applicants are equipped to meet the needs of children through Adoption. Timescales for this are 4 months from decision made to proceed to Stage 2 and the application to have been heard at panel and approval. In practice this only allows:- 10 week assessment period 1-2 weeks producing the report 1-2 weeks for the report to be quality assured (It is not until the report has been quality assured should applicants be given a definitive panel date) 1 week for the report to be shared with the applicants 2 weeks for panel submission 1 week Agency Decision Maker ratification Approval Applicants will be informed that if their assessment proceeds from their initial enquiry the whole adoption process from enquiry to presentation at the adoption panel should take no more than six months as required by the National Adoption Standards for England. They will be given an opportunity to comment on their adoption report at least 21 days before an Adoption Panel. All applicants are encouraged to attend the Adoption Panel. If applicants are happy to dispense with the 21-day period, then they are asked to sign a waiver to say that they wish to do so. The approval process in relation to the approval of foster carers as Adopters should not take more than four months.
10 Prospective adopters will be made aware that at any time during the stages from initial inquiry through to assessment, Liverpool s Adoption Service may decide that it is unable to support an application to be approved. In such cases, enquirers or applicants can expect full verbal and written explanations regarding the reasons for this. If enquirers or applicants remain dissatisfied, they can make representation or complaints through the Council s procedures or may refer for an Independent Review (Stage Two Only). Foster Carers Who Wish To Adopt a Child in Placement All requests from foster carers to adopt a child being cared for by them, should be given fair consideration to becoming the child s adoptive parents, along with the following criteria: That the potential match identified will meet the child s long term needs and take into consideration their wishes and feelings and their current attachment to their foster carers. When a potential match is identified, prospective adopters are given full written information about the child, which includes emotional, developmental and health needs. The adopters will also be provided with clear and detailed information about any behavioural issues and the implications and demands that may be placed on their family. Prospective adopters are provided with every opportunity to liaise and discuss with other professionals, such as Education/Health/foster carers who have previously been involved with the child. Approved adopters will be supported by the Adoption Team from the point that the placement becomes an adoptive placement through to the making of an Adoption Order. On request and subject to an assessment of needs, they will be offered or assisted in accessing appropriate support throughout the duration of the adoptive placement. Visits to adopters with a child in placement will take place in accordance with care planning regulations for looked after children. Inter Country Adoption Any applicant who wishes to adopt a child from another country which is within the Hague Convention will be referred to Stockport Council for services required including assessment and childcare protocol. Stockport Council are funded through Adopt North West (22 local authorities) to provide this service. Step Parent Adoption All applicants who make enquiries about Step Parent Adoption receive a written response with further information in respect of the process and the financial implications. If they wish to proceed they have to notify Liverpool City Council of their
11 intention in writing three months in advance. They will then be allocated a social worker who will undertake their assessment. FAMILY FINDING Overriding Principle Children will be matched with families who can best meet their assessed needs and they will not be left waiting indefinitely for a perfect family. Practice Considering a placement for a child; Unless there are exceptional circumstances no child can be considered for a placement unless they are the subject of a Placement Order. Provisional family finding can occur whilst awaiting the outcome of the Placement Order proceedings once a decision has been ratified by the Agency Decision Maker. Linking/Matching. Liverpool City Council has a Matching Procedure which outlines all aspects of the process from linking to matching and approval of a match at panel. This ensures that the link/match for a child is based on their overall needs or if not possible then the prospective adopters can meet most of their needs. In order to ensure timely linking and matching Liverpool City Council are also part of the national agenda and ensure that children are placed on the local and National register. Minimising delays Liverpool City Council recognises that delays in adoption can have a severe impact on the health and development of children and should be avoided. All policies which are part of the Adoption Process are embedded with a need for timely planning from the Agency Decision Maker agreeing to the plan for Adoption to the point of an Adoption Order being made.
12 Role/Functions of the Adoption Panel The composition, terms of reference and functions of Liverpool s Adoption Panel are set out in the Adoption and Children act 2002 and associated guidance. The Adoption Panel is a body of people who are empowered to consider whether: - A child in the care of the council should be placed for adoption. Prospective adopters should be approved to adopt and That a child or children should be placed with specific adopters. The recommendation of the Panel is passed to the Agency Decision-Maker. In Liverpool, this is the Assistant Director, Children s Services; The Agency Decision- Maker will decide whether or not to support the Panel s recommendation within a period of seven working days. Membership of Liverpool s Panel include an independent chair, a vice chair who is a senior social worker, a medical adviser, an elected member, three independent members who have experience of adoption, a post order support team member, and in addition there are non- panel members who attend, an Agency adviser, and a panel administrator. All members are subject to DBS Checks. Liverpool has in place Conflict of Interest guidelines to ensure fair treatment of applicants. Where applicants are identified as knowing Panel Members or vice versa, Panel members can then be informed in advance to ensure that contingency arrangements are made. One option will be for applicants to be taken to another panel. Another would be for a Panel member to stand down during the discussion of that assessment. Information and Support Liverpool City Council believes that children have a right to information and support throughout the Adoption Process. All children will be provided with a copy of The Children s Guide To Adoption, and the BAAF booklet What Does Adoption Mean? is also used, where appropriate, once a decision has been taken that Adoption is the plan. This guide summarises the stages of the Adoption Process and provides information regarding making complaints as well as how to access an Independent Advocate. Where it is appropriate, children will also be given pre-placement information about prospective adopters who have been identified for them. This information will take the form of family books and/or video recordings. Post-placement and depending upon assessed needs, a child may receive indirect information via the Council s Adoption Information Exchange System (letterbox). All letterbox arrangements entered into are child focussed and must be in their best interests. Adopters and birth parents are encouraged to understand that when an older child indicates that he or she does not wish the information exchange to continue, that we should fully respect their wishes.
13 The agency, After Adoption, is contracted to oversee this system and information is passed on between birth family members, including siblings and children or adopters acting on behalf of children. The type of information passed on, together with the frequency of exchange are set out in a written agreement, which all parties sign and are expected to adhere to. After Adoption provide leaflets and sample letters to all parties involved in letterbox contact. Birth Family members are given assistance to write letters to place on an adopted child s file. Liverpool City Council provides Adoption Support in line with the Adoption and Children Act 2002. The child s needs for Adoption Support Services are assessed at different stages of the Adoption Process. These are as follows: Written information concerning the services we provide. Advice and counselling Therapeutic Services via referral to Liverpool s Direct Work Team or the local CAMHS Support groups for Adoptive Parents Support for contact arrangements between adoptive children and birth relatives Financial support Arrangements to promote the education of adopted children through the use of designated teachers, and other forms of additional or specialist support for learning and maximising academic attainments. Liverpool has a Service Level Agreement with an independent adoption support agency After Adoption Their services will be utilised where appropriate Alongside Liverpool s own Post Order Support Team. This service also provides support groups for Adopted Young People, Adopted Adults and Letterbox Facility and Safe Base training for Adoptive parents. Disruptions In the event of Adoption placements disrupting, a meeting will be held with a view to learning what we can do, both to enable good planning for the child concerned and with a view to contributing to our understanding of factors affecting the outcome of Adoption. Our aim is to prevent adoptive placements disrupting and best practice would be to ensure that a meeting is held pre-disruption to ensure that all possible services have been utilised with the aim of preventing the breakdown. Liverpool has a procedure in relation to Disruption Meetings. There is a prescribed Agenda for the meetings
14 Complaints, comments & compliments All our Children & Young People are provided with information about how to make complaints, comments or compliments and there is a Children s Guide which enables them to share their wishes and feelings. The social worker/support worker for the child/young person has a duty to ensure the child fully understands how to make a complaint, comment or compliment and with whom to talk to if they have concerns. There are a number of avenues they can do this either through their carer, social worker/support worker, Independent Reviewing Officer, Teacher, friends who can speak on their behalf. In the case of young children the social worker/support worker must ensure that all those around the child fully understand their needs and how they would show their feelings which should be reported to the social worker for discussion if further action is required. In respect of prospective or approved applicants they will be given full information about how they can make an informal or formal complaint and the steps which they can take including being directed to the Liverpool City Council Website. All complaints are treated with a matter of urgency and dignity and confidentiality should be maintained at all times. All of the above should also be encouraged where possible to pass on their comments or compliments so that the council can review their progress through customer feedback and make any necessary changes or acknowledge positive experiences.