Adoption and Permanence Statement of purpose 2018-2019
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Adoption and Permanence Statement of purpose 2018-2019
Contents
1. Introduction......................................................................................4
2. Role of the Adoption and Permanence Service...............................5
3. Principles and core values...............................................................6
4. Aims and objectives of the service...................................................7
5. Service users....................................................................................8
6. Multi-agency and joint working........................................................9
7. Services for prospective adopters.................................................11
8. The Adoption, Fostering and Permanence Panel...........................16
9. Services for Prospective Special Guardians..................................18
10. S
ervices for children, adoptive parents,
birth families and permanent carers...............................................20
11. Long Term Fostering ......................................................................22
12. Organisational structure and management of the
Adoption and Permanence Service ...............................................23
13. Quality Assurance..........................................................................25
14. Complaints.....................................................................................26
15. The Registration Authority..............................................................27
16. Other organisations and useful links..............................................27
Adoption and
Permanence
Statement of Purpose
2018-2019
1. Introduction
This statement of purpose has been This is a key document against which
produced by Camden’s Adoption and the Adoption and Permanence Service is 2. Role of the Adoption and Permanence Service
Permanence Service under the Local inspected by Ofsted. It has been endorsed
Authority Adoption Services (England) by the senior management group for children
Regulations 2013 (amendments Adoption services and is reviewed and updated on at The main role of the Adoption and with disabilities and young children with
Support 2014), the Special Guardianship least an annual basis to reflect local targets Permanence Service is to provide high complex background factors such as
(Amendments) Regulations 2016 and the as well as national priorities for adoption as quality adoptive placements, a wide range drug misuse, mental health, etc.
National Adoption Standards. set by the government. of adoption and special guardianship Assess, prepare and support family and
support, and other permanency options, friend carers to ensure that placements of
The statement aims to give all stakeholders including long term placements with family children within their families are enduring.
and service users a clear understanding of and friends carers, for children who are To provide a high quality adoption support
the aims and objectives of the Adoption and looked after by the London Borough of service to those affected by adoption and
Permanence Service in Camden, as well as Camden and are unable to live with their special guardianship.
to detail the services that the Adoption and birth families. Children will be placed with
Ensure continuity and stability for each
Permanence Team provides. families and carers who can offer them safe,
looked after child by planning for their
stable care and promote their individual
future needs in a timely manner, exploring
needs, consistent with statutory obligations
all permanence options available and
and regulations regarding adoption and
planning effectively for these.
placement of children.
Demonstrate a high commitment to the
The Adoption and Permanence Service has Regionalisation of Adoption Agenda by
identified the following strategic goals for the working alongside the London Adoption
forthcoming year which are aligned to the Board and the North London Adoption
Camden Plan 2018-2025. Consortium to share resources, focus on
innovative practice and develop wider
adoption strategies.
Recruit, assess, prepare and support a
range of adopters to ensure a diverse Meet the requirements of adoption
and confident mix of adoptive families and special guardianship legislation,
is available to meet the needs of those government regulations and standards,
children who are waiting for permanent and corporate policy through continuous
homes. The London Borough of Camden monitoring of service standards
is particularly looking for prospective and practice.
adopters who are able to take on a level
of uncertainty and complexity such
as sibling groups, black and minority
ethnic children, older children, children
4 5
Adoption and
Permanence
Statement of Purpose
2018-2019
3. Principles and core values
Camden believes that all children and young All decisions should be taken in a manner
people who need permanent substitute that is fair and transparent, and individuals
care should have an opportunity to grow should be given an opportunity to challenge
up as part of a loving family who can meet decisions. Services should be administered 4. Aims and objectives of the service
their individual needs during childhood and in a fair manner and in keeping with the
beyond. The Adoption and Permanence Council’s equality and valuing diversity
Service is therefore based on the following policies. Camden’s Adoption and Permanence service Regular Permanency Planning Clinics are held
principles: aims to provide an efficient service that meets fortnightly to provide consultation to children’s
Decisions about the child’s future should
the needs of those children in the borough who social workers to enable them to discuss
be taken in a timely manner that minimises
require permanent substitute care by identifying individual cases, explore permanence options
The child’s welfare and safety should be the delay. Camden fully embraces Foster for
their individual needs and finding families to and plan effectively to achieve these. This
main focus throughout the adoption and Adoption, so that for children who require
match their needs within agreed timescales as process ensures that all permanency options
permanence planning process. Children’s adoption, they can be placed with their
set by the government or family courts. are considered for every looked after child as
rights should be respected at all times. permanent family as early as possible.
well as that parallel planning is taking place.
Children have the right to family life, stability Adoption is a life-long commitment that The service aims to continue to improve and
and continuity throughout their lives so that has far-reaching consequences for those increase timely adoption, make appropriate The Adoption and Permanence Team also
they are able to maintain their identity and who are affected; this is recognised by staff use of Special Guardianship Orders and, ensures that a child’s friends and family
develop their potential fully. involved in delivering adoption services, and where appropriate, Family and Friends care. network is fully explored and/or assessed
Decisions taken about placing children services are delivered in a sensitive way. The service will comply with the following in relation to capacity to provide a stable,
should consider all aspects of the child’s The confidentiality of all those involved in legislation and government regulations and loving and permanent home to a Camden
needs. the adoption and permanence process is standards: looked after child. These assessments will be
respected at all times. Children Act 1989 completed before planning for adoption.
Relationships that are important to the child
should be sustained and developed where Care Standards Act 2000 Providing support services to children,
possible and where this is assessed as Adoption and Children Act 2002 adopters and permanent carers as well as
appropriate. Adoption Agencies Regulations 2005 birth families is another key aim of the service.
Children, birth parents, adoptive parents and 2014 These include social work support, training,
and long term carers should have access to The Care Planning, Placement and support groups, special events, counselling
all relevant information and be encouraged Case Review Regulations 2010 and and/or signposting to independent advice.
to participate in any discussions and accompanying statutory guidance The service also aims to provide a culturally
decision-making processes.
Friends and Family Care statutory guidance sensitive service for adoptive parents, birth
for Local Authorities 2011 parents and adopted adults who wish to
The National Minimum Standards for contact family members from whom they were
Adoption and Fostering Services 2011 separated following adoption. Support will be
(updated 2014) and related statutory offered via access to adoption files, provision
guidance. of advice, counselling and information on how
to access birth and adoption records, or by
Early involvement of the Adoption and acting as an intermediary agency for adopted
Permanence Team in child care planning is adults and birth relatives of the adopted adults.
crucial to minimise disruption and avoid delay.
6 7
Adoption and
Permanence
Statement of Purpose
2018-2019
5. Service users
Adoption and Permanence Services are Children and adoptive parents who require
provided to: adoption support services
Children and Special Guardians who require
Children who are to be adopted or need
support, where the child was a looked after
substitute permanent care
child in Camden immediately prior to the
Birth parents Order 6. Multi-agency and joint working
Prospective and approved adopters Adopted adults and members of their birth
including those who are seeking to adopt families.
from overseas The London Borough of Camden aims to work Specific to adoption, in 2013, NLAC
with our partner agencies and organisations to introduced a new and innovative way of
Prospective Special Guardians
improve the range and quality of adoption and delivering adoption services to applicants,
permanence services. Camden is part of the responding to the newly introduced two-stage
North London Adoption Consortium (NLAC) adoption process. In November 2014, the
whose aim is to develop joint initiatives and consortium divided into North (Enfield, Barnet,
improve practice to speed up the process of Haringey) and South (Camden, Islington,
adoption for children in member boroughs. Hackney) to more effectively respond to the
NLAC also aims to provide support to Special recruitment and assessment of prospective
Guardians. adopters. The consortium members work
closely to deliver a programme of adoption,
Member boroughs are: recruitment, training, preparation, assessment
London Borough of Camden and support.
London Borough of Islington
London Borough of Haringey The consortium also has its own website
London Borough of Barnet and social media accounts through which
London Borough of Enfield prospective adopters can make enquiries
London Borough of Hackney about adoption which are then passed on
to the relevant local authority for further
Camden’s Adoption and Permanence Service assessment. The Adoption and Permanence
benefits from partnership arrangements team manager acts as Camden’s link with
with the NLAC. These arrangements include the consortium. Other groups, such as family
sharing information about children and finding, preparation group coordinators,
families waiting for placements, participation recruitment officers and adoption and special
in joint advertising and recruitment initiatives, guardianship support, meet regularly to
training and support as well as developing exchange and enhance practice development
and sharing good practice in relation and ways of working together to deliver a
to initiatives in adoption and achieving robust and ground-breaking practice.
permanence for children.
8 9
Adoption and
Permanence
Statement of Purpose
2018-2019
Through the consortium, Camden has a service 7. Services for prospective adopters
level agreement with Intercountry Adoption
Centre, who provide the training, counselling
and assessment of inter-country adopters.
7.1 Recruitment respond to enquiries and are committed to
In providing services, the Adoption and responding positively to anyone who has an
Permanence Team will work closely with all Camden has developed a comprehensive interest in adoption. The teams provide clear,
staff involved in the process across different recruitment strategy, jointly with NLAC, based written information for prospective adopters
service areas within Children’s Safeguarding on the changing needs of children requiring about the assessment and approval process.
and Social Work as well as outside partners adoptive placements. Recruitment campaigns A full information pack is sent out electronically
such as health and education partners or are carefully targeted to achieve the provision within one working day of an initial enquiry.
national organisations. Details concerning of adoptive placements that match the needs
service and agency partners can be found of the children waiting for adoption. Enquiries and applications are welcomed from
at the end of this document under Useful all sections of society, including single people,
Addresses and Contacts. The benefit of having a joint recruitment same sex couples and unmarried couples and
strategy with the consortium means that people from a wide variety of races, religions
Camden can embark on campaigns that reach and cultures.
a wider audience. Advertising campaigns are
launched across North London and beyond. Following attendance at an open evening,
Monthly open evenings run across South applicants are invited to complete an
NLAC to enable prospective adopters to Expression of Interest form. On the basis of this
find out more about adoption and to answer information the application can be progressed.
any queries they may have. Camden also
runs a number of other recruitment activities
throughout the year, including a big recruitment 7.2 Assessment
event during National Adoption Week in
October, and is involved in a wide range of All applicants are encouraged to view the
community events to raise awareness of consortium website and attend an information
adoption. All publicity materials are designed evening. They will also have the opportunity
in a way that is sensitive to the cultural and to discuss their personal circumstances with
linguistic needs of the prospective adopters. a social worker either via telephone or during
an office appointment. This ensures that
Two daily duty services run across the North adopters have a clear understanding of the
and South teams within the consortium to types of children that are currently awaiting
10 11
Adoption and
Permanence Panel recommendations are passed to Anne and development will be considered as well
Statement of Purpose Turner, Director of Children’s Safeguarding as how adopters may meet their needs.
and Social Work or Martin Pratt, Executive
2018-2019
Director Supporting People, who are the Matches will be considered from a number
designated Agency Decision Makers. They will of sources, which include Camden children,
consider the recommendation made by the the North London Adoption Consortium and
adoption. If adopters are able to consider are invited to sign a Stage 2 Agreement and panel and decide whether or not to approve organisations like the Adoption Register and
the profiles of children waiting both locally arrangements are also made for them to attend the prospective adopters. Link Maker. Adopters are also invited to attend
and nationally, they will be encouraged and a three-day Preparation Course. Adoption Exchange Days, where children
supported to begin the assessment. The ADM makes a decision on all panel from a number of local authorities are profiled.
Stage 2 should be completed within 4 recommendations as soon as receiving the Activity Days are also periodically held across
The adoption assessment is structured as months, including being presented to Panel final set of minutes and recommendations but all London boroughs.
follows: and the recommendation being ratified by the not later than 7 working days.
Agency Decision Maker. In considering a match with an identified
Stage 1 Applicants whose approval is not agreed by child, adopters are given a copy of the Child’s
Prospective adopters complete a Registration As part of the assessment process, the social the panel or the ADM can ask for their case Permanence Report which contains full
of Interest form, which marks the beginning of worker will also interview family members, to be reviewed by the Independent Review information about the background and needs
Stage 1. This stage should last two months. friends and others in the prospective Mechanism (IRM). Details of this process of the child, including health, educational
Applicants are allocated a social worker adopter’s support network, and any person together with timescales are made available to and therapeutic needs and other unique
to support their learning and a Stage 1 with whom someone has had a significant the applicants during the adoption process. characteristics such as cultural or religious
Agreement plan is made. relationship, particularly if there were children background. The adopter will be able to meet
as part of that relationship. The IRM works to the following timescales: with the child’s social worker and any other
During this stage, the following must be Applicants have 40 working days from the professionals who are working with the child,
completed: All prospective adopters have the opportunity decision to decide to contact the IRM such as the medical advisor or the child’s
Applicants to attend Foundation Day to read the assessment report prepared by Camden will be required to produce relevant foster carer, to discuss these needs.
training (this may be completed prior to the assessing social worker and make their documentation within 10 working days
Stage 1 commencing). own comments for the panel. A midway Once it has been agreed to proceed with
The IRM will set up a panel within 3 months
meeting is often held during the assessment. the match, the social worker will prepare
All statutory checks including DBS, of the application.
It’s general practice that adopters are involved an Adoption Placement Report which the
medicals, background checks and in these meetings. Once the report has been adopters will have an opportunity to both
references. The IRM is currently operated by CoramBAAF
agreed it is formally submitted to the panel for contribute to and consider before agreeing the
Workbook: this is an assessment tool which Academy for Adoption & Fostering.
a recommendation for approval. final report with the social worker.
applicants are supported to complete prior
to moving on to Stage 2. Once agreed, this is sent to the Adoption
7.4 Matching
7.3 Approval and Permanence Panel along with a
Stage 1 can be extended for up to six months comprehensive Adoption Support Plan, in
for legitimate reasons, without having to Approved adopters are given clear information
Recommendations about whether prospective order to make a recommendation to the ADM
restart the process. about the matching, introduction and
adopters should be approved to adopt are as to whether the child should be placed for
placement process. Following this, a Post
made by the Camden Adoption, Fostering adoption with the proposed adopter(s).
At the end of Stage 1, a review meeting is Approval Meeting is held in order to clarify
and Permanence Panel, which meets once a
held with the adopters to review the outcome and agree how the adopters will be supported
fortnight. The Panel may also give advice on
of Stage 1 with a view to progress to Stage 2. in identifying a suitable match for them. Once
arrangements regarding contact, adoption
approved and prior to matching, adopters will
The panel will read the report of the support services and the extent to which
be invited to attend workshops on a range of
Stage 2 assessing social worker, and any other prospective adopters will be able to exercise
topics such as transitions and education.
All the applicants’ learning and information information that may be presented, and parental responsibility once a child has been
gained in Stage 1 (including the Workbook) will make a recommendation to the council placed with them.
The matching process is designed to ensure
form the basis of the Home Study and support about approval as a prospective adopter.
that children are placed with adoptive families
completion of the Prospective Adopters Report Prospective adopters will be invited to attend
who are most likely to be able to meet the
(PAR). At the beginning of Stage 2, applicants the panel meeting.
child’s needs. All aspects of the child’s history
12 13
Adoption and
Permanence
Statement of Purpose
2018-2019
• Therapeutic services for the child
7.5 Placement Camden has access to a range of therapeutic
services for children, including CAMHS, the
Once a child has been placed for adoption, the Tavistock Clinic and PAC-UK.
child’s social worker and the adopter’s social
worker will visit the placement regularly to • Financial support
monitor the child’s progress and support the Financial support can be provided to help
placement. Review meetings will be held and adoptive parents with any additional costs
chaired by an Independent Reviewing Officer, in caring for the child, in particular where the any new requests for adoption support from
as part of the requirement to review Looked adoptive families who live in the borough. 7.8 Non Agency adoptions
child has specific on-going needs. There is no
After Children’s care and adoption plans. automatic entitlement to financial support and Camden is responsible for supporting families
with whom they have placed children for a People who are resident in Camden wishing
support will be subject to a means test and
Adoption Support Plans and services are period of three years, following the granting to adopt a child they are caring for must notify
reviewed at least annually.
reviewed at this meeting; once the adoption of an adoption order. Camden is able to offer the department of their intention to adopt.
order is granted, such services continue to be adoption support services to any adopters and These notifications are logged and monitored
• Mediation around contact issues
reviewed annually. children/young people who reside in Camden. within the Adoption and Permanence team by
The team runs a letter-box contact scheme
the team manager.
that enables birth families and adopted
All adopters of Camden children will be children to exchange letters and birthday
offered between 3-6 consultations with The Adoption and Permanence team
cards. The service is confidential and is 7.7 Overseas adoptions
a clinical psychologist, based within the can offer support and guidance on such
normally agreed and set up as part of the
CAMHS. These consultations give adoptive Applicants wishing to adopt from another specialist adoption issues. Such assessments
adoption planning for the child.
parents the opportunity to think about the country are referred to the Intercountry are allocated within the Adoption and
type of parenting the child may need and Adoption Centre (ICA), a contracted agency Permanence team for the preparation of the
The team can also facilitate direct contact
support following placement of the child. If who undertakes this work on behalf of Annex A report required by the Court in all
between the adopted child and their birth
further sessions are required, these can be Camden, via the North London Adoption adoption applications.
family where this has been agreed and
negotiated. deemed in the child’s best interests. Consortium. ICA is an associate member of
the North London Adoption Consortium. ICA
Post placement, Camden as well as NLAC also provides a service that monitors and
7.6 Support organise training and/or events for adoptive reviews intercountry placements, once a child
families that give them an opportunity to meet enters the UK.
During the assessment and matching process, other adoptive families, and can also help
the support needs of the adopters and child them in accessing support groups.
are fully explored and considered. Within
Camden and the NLAC there is a range Adoptive families have the right to request an
of adoption support services available for assessment for adoption support services.
adoptive families. These could include: Where they consider they need to have
support services, they can contact the
• Information, advice and counselling adoption support services advisor based
The team can offer advice, information and in the Adoption and Permanence team
counselling to adoptive parents, or can refer for information and advice on the types of
them on to more appropriate resources. services available.
Camden also has access to counselling
services provided by the Post-Adoption Centre. The Adoption Support team will respond to
14 15
Adoption and
Permanence
Statement of Purpose
2018-2019
8. The Adoption, Fostering and Permanence Panel
Since October 2014, Camden has been recommendations on support plans. as much as possible. The Agency Decision years’ relevant post-qualifying experience.
running a joint Adoption, Fostering and To consider any adoption support plans Maker (ADM) makes the final decision. Education specialist
Permanence Panel, which is an independent submitted as part of the proposed Camden has two ADMs: the Director of
panel, set up to oversee Camden’s fostering placement. Children’s Safeguarding and Social Work and In addition the Panel has:
and adoption service as set out in the Children To consider and give advice on contact the Executive Director Supporting People, who A Legal Adviser
Act 1989, the Care Standards Act 2000 and arrangements, the exercise of parental are the designated Agency Decision Makers.
An Agency Adviser
the Children and Families Act 2014. responsibility post-placement and the
Should any adopters disagree with the panel A Panel Administrator
numbers and types of children a prospective
The panel’s overall functions and purpose are: adopter may be suitable to adopt. recommendation and the agency decision
maker’s decision, they are able to make All children’s plans for adoption are considered
To consider and make recommendations To provide a thorough and critical
representation to appeal to the Independent by Camden’s Agency Decision Makers.
about whether a child should be placed for consideration of all cases presented to it
adoption in those cases where there is no Review Mechanism.
in order to make sound and appropriate
court involvement. recommendations to the agency decision
To consider and make recommendations The composition of the Panel is made up as
maker who makes the final decision.
about the approval of prospective adopters follows:
To consider and provide advice on any other
and long term foster carers, including An independent chairperson who has
issues affecting Camden’s Fostering and
family and friends carers who wish to be appropriate skills and experience in
Adoption Service.
considered as long-term carers for a child adoption and permanence work
they are currently looking after. Two independent vice chairs who can, if
The panel consists of a central list of panel required, chair the Panel
The continuation of foster carer’s approval
members who have been recruited because
terms at the first annual foster carer review A councillor who serves on a full and equal
they have the necessary experience and
and then at intervals of 3 years or as basis as other panel members
expertise to contribute effectively to the
requested by the Fostering Service. To also A medical adviser who makes a full
discharge of the panel functions. Camden’s
review prospective adopters’ approval on an contribution to the wider aspects of the
panel aims to ensure that the panel reflects
annual basis. panel as well as providing advice and
the diversity of the borough and includes
The termination of approval of adopters and representation from as wide a field as comment on medical issues
foster carers. possible in terms of professional knowledge At least 3 other independent persons
To consider and make recommendations and experience of adoption and fostering. who include, where reasonably practical,
about the proposed matches between The panel also works to ensure that panel two people with personal experience of
children and prospective adopters membership is gender-balanced and reflects adoption.
and long term foster carers, and make the ethnic and cultural composition of Camden Two social workers, each with at least 3
16 17
Adoption and
Permanence
Statement of Purpose
2018-2019
9. Services for Prospective Special Guardians
The Adoption and Children’s Act 2002 The nature of the prospective special Letterbox service, if needed, to facilitate
provides the legal framework for special guardian’s relationship with the child, correspondence between birth parents,
guardianship under the Children Act 1989. currently and previously children and the new family
In addition to these, the Adoption and The prospective special guardian’s ability to Reviews of support needs, at least annually
Permanence Service closely follows the meet the child’s needs in the short term and Special Guardianship allowance, which is
statutory guidance for local authorities on the into adulthood means tested and reviewed annually
Special Guardianship Regulations 2005 (as The prospective special guardian’s ability
amended in 2016). The Special Guardianship to keep the child safe and protect from any The Adoption and Permanence team is
Orders were introduced to meet the needs of harm and/or abuse responsible for providing support services for
children for whom adoption is not appropriate, those affected by special guardianship orders
Contact arrangements based on the child’s
but who could still benefit from a legally that live in the borough, including the child,
need
secure placement. their parents and the special guardian for a
Robust background checks on the
prospective guardian(s) including an period of three years following the granting of
The Adoption and Permanence Team the Special Guardianship Order. After three
provides an assessment and support enhanced DBS, medical, local authority
checks, references, etc. years, the responsibility for support (except the
service to prospective special guardians for allowance) is transferred to the local authority
a Camden looked after child, or for a child Support needs and subsequent support
in which the special guardian lives.
who resides in Camden and has been in plan, during assessment as well as post
placement with the proposed carer for at order
least 12 months. On receipt of a notice of an
application for a special guardianship order, In addition to assessment, the Adoption and
the team prepares a report for the court on Permanence team also provides:
the suitability of the applicant to be a long Information and advice to prospective
term carer for the given child. special guardians
Support for special guardians, including
In assessing a prospective special guardian, financial support
the following are considered:
Assistance with managing contact, subject
The child’s individual needs including to regular reviews
their background, age, gender, health, Access to social work support either by
behavioural and identity needs, and any allocated social worker or the Adoption and
harm they have previously suffered Permanence Duty line
The wishes and feelings of the child and Access to additional training and support
others via the North London Adoption Consortium
18 19Adoption and
Permanence
Statement of Purpose
2018-2019
10. Services for children, adoptive parents,
birth families and permanent carers
Further information is provided in the Adoption child’s social worker in the selection and who are trying to trace birth relatives, and
10.1 Consortium services Support Handbook, which is available on matching process and can remain involved to birth relatives who are trying to trace an
the Camden website and provides detailed until the second review. adopted adult.
The North London Adoption and Fostering information about sources of support.
Consortium has been working closely Following a match being made, an adoption The team can:
together for over 13 years to provide a The consortium also provides support to support social worker is allocated to monitor
wide range of adoption services in the special guardians and it includes the following: provide counselling to the individual wishing
the adoption support plan and support all
consortium, in addition to those provided by to trace a relative
Introduction to Special Guardianship parties, including the birth family.
each individual Adoption and/or Permanence access information from a variety of sources
Support Team. workshop
to help individuals begin the tracing process
Post order training on certain themes: 10.3 Adoption Support Fund
The consortium adoption support services are • Trauma and attachment act as an intermediary between the
summarised as follows: • Contact and family dynamics The London Borough of Camden has worked individual, other adoption agencies and the
• Life story telling with consortium partners in developing a person being traced to establish whether or
Training:
comprehensive range of adoption support not that person wishes to have contact.
• Post approval training Monthly support groups to special
• Specialist parenting training, including guardians services to fit with the introduction of the
‘Adoption Changes’ and ‘Newly Adoption Support Passport and Adoption
Approved Adopters’. Special event days available to special Support Fund (ASF). 10.5 Services for birth parents
guardians and their children
Support groups: Camden has been proactive in ensuring that Birth parents, relatives and others who had a
• Groups for teenagers and their parents Commissioned services to address areas significant relationship with an adopted child
such as counselling or mediation adopters and special guardians (as of April
• Annual Children’s group for 5-11 year 2016) are aware of the Adoption Support can request support for information, advice
olds and their parents Fund. Carers are able to access the ASF and counselling around adoption, as well as to
• Adopted Adults group once an Adoption or Special Guardianship seek assistance around contact issues. Within
• Bi-monthly support group for adopters in 10.2 Services for children the North London Adoption Consortium we
Support Assessment has been completed by
Camden, Islington, Hackney, Enfield and an allocated social worker within 6-8 weeks. have a comprehensive support package,
Haringey. The Adoption and Permanence Team liaises which is provided via a service level
closely with those professionals working A good level of scrutiny is provided to all
applications prior to them being submitted agreement with PAC-UK.
Commissioned support services, for with children who have been identified as
example, PAC-UK, which offers advice, requiring an adoptive placement. Once the to the ASF.
The team can help birth parents, relatives
counselling, therapeutic family work, ADM approves an adoption plan, the child is and others to access counselling via a
training and support groups for all parties allocated a family finding social worker and
10.4 Adoption information range of independent adoption support and
to adoption and permanent care. They six weekly family finding reviews commence voluntary agencies.
also support adopters in relation to the to ensure ongoing scrutiny of this plan. The
education of adopted children. The Adoption and Permanence team provides
family finding social worker works with the
intermediary services to assist adopted adults
20 21Adoption and
Permanence
Statement of Purpose
2018-2019
11. Long Term Fostering
12. Organisational structure and management
For some children, long term fostering is the Camden remains committed to fully explore of the Adoption and Permanence Service
preferred permanence option, particularly and support all permanency solutions
older children who maintain close and for children. As such, the current policy Camden is continuing to work towards The Adoption and Permanence team
significant relationship with birth parents framework for long term fostering will improving its permanence planning for looked undertakes family finding for all children in
and relatives. Changes to care planning be revised and updated in line with new after children. Camden is committed to Camden who require an adoptive family. The
regulations mean that long term fostering legislative changes. The proposed framework achieving the appropriate care plan for each family finding social worker presents matches
is now considered a statutory permanence for decision making will need to address the child, whether that be to return home to their to the Adoption, Fostering and Permanence
option for looked after children. Presently, the following: birth family, to be cared for by Family and Panel in partnership with the child’s social
framework for decision making around long decision making regarding long term Friends carers under a child arrangement or worker and the adopter’s social worker. The
term fostering is dependent on the child’s age; fostering as the child’s permanence plan special guardianship order, long term fostering family finding social worker has a role to
where the child is under 11, the Adoption and or adoption. co-ordinate and support introductions and
assessing the suitability of carers to be long
Permanence team takes the lead and cases placements.
term foster carers
go to the Fostering and Adoption Panel for The Adoption and Permanence Team
deciding on the suitability of proposed is located within the Supporting People The Adoption and Permanence Team also
a recommendation before a final decision
matches Directorate, Children’s Safeguarding and provides a family finding service for children
is made by the ADM. The process closely
follows adoption procedure and practice as deciding on what level of delegated Social Work Division, the Director of which under 11 who require permanent fostering,
described above. authority should be given to permanent has overall responsibility for the Adoption and and has responsibility for special guardianship
carers, the frequency of visits and LAC Permanence Service. assessment and support services. Long-term
reviews fostering placements for young people aged
The Adoption and Permanence Service is 11 and above are arranged by the Looked
structured into three distinct areas: After Children team, Resource team and the
Adoption work, Fostering Service.
Friends and Family Fostering and Special
Guardianship assessments, The Adoption and Permanence Team offers
adoption support services, and the senior
Adoption & Special Guardianship Support.
practitioner based in the team acts as
Camden’s Adoption Support Services Adviser
This ensures the team is able to maintain
(ASSA). The team are able to provide adoption
specialisms and much needed expertise
support services from the second review
in adoption and permanence. The current
following placement and remain involved for
structure also allows for work to be completed
long as is appropriate after an adoption order
in a flexible manner across the sub-teams to
has been made. This team is responsible
ensure good and timely service is provided in
for Adoption Support Assessments and
all areas according to service need.
applications to the ASF.
22 23Adoption and
Permanence
Statement of Purpose
2018-2019
The Adoption and Permanence team is other teams across the department, offering
responsible for reviewing all the adoption social workers advice and consultation.
support plans as appropriate. A review of the
All staff have access to training courses and
13. Quality Assurance
financial support offered to families is carried
are kept updated on developments in practice
out annually.
and legislative changes. The Adoption and Permanence Service is policy that sets out clearly its role and
Staff within the Adoption and Permanence monitored regularly to ensure that performance responsibilities, and provides a reference for
team work closely and in partnership with adheres to the standards set out by legislation good practice.
and council policies. The service’s aims and Prospective adopters are effectively
Adoption and Permanence Service management structure is detailed below: objectives are also reviewed as part of the recruited, prepared, trained and supported
Children and Young People’s Plan by both so that the adoptive placements available
Name Designation
Service and Divisional managers. are of a high quality and able to meet the
Martin Pratt Executive Director
needs of the children.
Supporting People An annual report on the work of the Adoption
Agency Decision Maker Prospective special guardians are effectively
Panel and the Adoption and Permanence assessed, trained and supported to ensure
Anne Turner Director Service is produced for the senior management placement stability and longevity.
Children’s Safeguarding and Social Work group, the Camden Safeguarding Children
Agency Decision Maker All adopters approved for over a year and
Board, and the Corporate Parenting Board.
who have not been matched with a child
Sally Joseph Head of Childrens Care Provision
are reviewed annually by the Adoption
Pal Jandu Service Manager for Care Provisions and Panel Advisor The mechanisms for quality assurance are:
and Permanence team manager and
Holly Parlett Manager, Adoption & Permanence Team All staff in the Adoption and Permanence the recommendation is presented to the
Janice Clarke Senior Practitioner, Adoption Team receive regular supervision and Adoption and Fostering Panel.
training, as well as an annual appraisal. The
Rhonda Barrow Adoption Social Workers The Adoption and Fostering Panel is
team manager is supervised by the Head of
Caroline Faleye independent of the Council management
Children’s Care Provision.
Karen George structure and is responsible for scrutinising
Children’s cases are regularly reviewed, applications from prospective adopters and
Val Forrest Senior Practitioner, Adoption and Special Guardianship Support
with statutory child care reviews chaired adoption plans for children.
Sheila McInnes Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Social Workers by Independent Reviewing Officers who
Sue Bineham Senior managers hold a tracking meeting
are attached to the Division’s Quality
Eleni Christodoulou regularly to monitor the progress of all
Assurance Unit.
Chantelle Stevens Senior Practitioner, Family and Friends children who are to be placed for adoption
Management information is collected or waiting permanency.
Lizzie Allan Social Workers, Family and Friends regularly to ensure performance indicators
Rebecca Allan Where an adoptive placement breaks down,
are met, to deliver efficient provision of the
Faye Trimmer a disruption meeting is held, chaired by a
service and to set targets for the service.
Natasha Erskine Marketing and Recruitment Officer senior manager or independent person, and
The Adoption and Permanence team the findings are fed back to the Adoption
Marco Reis Panel Coordinators operates in accordance to written policies and Fostering Panel.
Rodney Ayer and procedures, legal and regulatory
framework and is subject to corporate
24 25Adoption and
Permanence
Statement of Purpose
2018-2019
14. Complaints
15. The Registration 16. Other organisations
At Camden Children’s Safeguarding and If a child or young person makes a complaint Authority and useful links
Social Work we aim to provide the best about services provided for them, then the
possible service. If a service user, or someone Children Act complaints procedure must
planning to use our service, is unhappy with be followed. In this event, a child or young The Office for Standards in Education, CORAMBAAF Academy for Adoption and
any aspect of our service or a decision we person involved in the complaint will be Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) is Fostering
make, they can make a complaint. This is entitled to an advocate to support and responsible for monitoring, regulating and Coram Campus,
important as it helps us to improve represent them in the process. inspecting adoption services under the 41 Brunswick Square,
our services. provisions of the Care Standards Act 2000. London WC1N 1AZ
Advice on making a complaint can be sought Tel: 020 7520 0300
It is the responsibility of the staff and their from the complaints and representations team The address of the registration office is:
managers based in the Adoption and in the Supporting People Directorate. Department of Education Adoption Web
Permanence Team to try to put right any Ofsted Pages
concerns raised by service users when a This team can be contacted at: National Business Unit, Adoption - The Department for Education
problem first arises. This local resolution is the Royal Exchange Building,
first stage of the complaints process. Complaints Unit At Ann’s Square, Adoption UK
Hayden Glassey Manchester M2 7LA 46 The Green, South Bar Street,
If the complaint cannot be resolved at the first 5th Floor, 5 Pancras Square, Tel: 08456 404045 Banbury OX16 9AB
stage, it may be necessary for it to progress London N1C 4AG Tel: 01295 752240
to stage two, where it is formally investigated. Phone: 020 7974 6673 Children’s Rights Officer Fax: 01295 752241
Service users have a right to go straight to Email: children.complaints@camden.gov.uk Roger Morgan Website: www.adoptionuk.org
this stage of the process, if they wish. Website: camden.gov.uk/complaints Ofsted
Alexander House, PAC-UK (Post-Adoption Centre)
If the complaint is still unresolved after the 33 Kingsway, 5 Torriano Mews, Torriano Avenue,
formal investigation at stage two, a Review London WC2B 6SE London, NW5 2RZ
Panel may be requested, which is chaired by Tel: 020 7284 0555
an independent person. This is stage three of Website: www.pac-uk.org
the process.
26 27Camden’s Adoption and If any stakeholders have any feedback or
Permanence Team is based at: comments about this document or the role
of the Adoption and Permanence Team,
Children’s Care Provision then please contact us on our duty line at
Phase 1, 1st Floor 020 7974 3082, or please contact:
Crowndale Centre
218 Eversholt Street, Sally Joseph - Head of Children’s Care Provision
London NW1 1BD Tel: 020 7974 6798
Email: sally.joseph@camden.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7974 3082
Fax: 020 7974 6799 Pal Jandu – Service Manager of Adoption,
Email: adoption@camden.gov.uk Fostering and Resources / Panel Advisor
Website: camden.gov.uk/adoption Tel: 020 7974 3079
Email: pal.jandu@camden.gov.uk
Holly Parlett - Team Manager, Adoption and
Permanence Team
Tel: 020 7974 1056
Creative services 2017. 124.213 Tel. 020 7974 1985
Email: holly.parlett@camden.gov.ukYou can also read
