Decision details

As in accordance with legislation the Service Director for Children’s Services referred Members to her report which provided Cabinet with an update on the progress of the Vale, Valleys and Cardiff Regional Adoption Collaborative by considering the information provided in the Annual Report for the period 1^st April 2017 to the 31^st March 2018 and also referenced the National Adoption Services Wales Annual Report 2017/2018.  

Members were advised that the regional performance had improved, specifically the increase in the number of children placed for adoption and the reduced time taken to place a child for adoption.  The Service Director further added that there were still a number of areas that required improvement adding that these were being addressed in the VVC Regional Improvement Plan.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Welsh Language commented on the report and the significant gap across Wales in respect of adoption recruitment and the rising numbers of children seeking adoption.  He commented on the welcomed introduction of the marketing and recruitment Officer although noted that the adoption process from enquiry to placement was still a very lengthy and timely process.  The Cabinet Member welcomed the improved performance overall and concluded by referencing the post adoption support to measure the long term stability of placement, ensuring positive outcomes for both the child and the adoptive parents.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the contents of both the Annual Reports.

2.    To receive further reports at future meetings.