Comment on Regional Adoption Agencies

Charlotte Ramsden, Chair of the ADCS Health, Care and Additional Needs Policy Committee said:

“The aim of Regional Adoption Agencies (RAA) is to improve practice and processes and outcomes for children, from more efficient recruitment of adopters, faster matches and improved post-adoption support to reduced costs. There is no one-size fits all model and the impact on local authorities varies. We know, anecdotally, that some local authorities are benefitting from shared expertise, resources and processes, but it is very early days and the evidence base around impact is still developing given that many projects are yet to go live and become established. We are also aware that some authorities have concerns about being part of an RAA or are finding the change difficult and this relates to their local circumstances. As with any partnership arrangement there will be opportunities and challenges. Although each local authority is responsible for making its own decision in relation to RAA arrangements, it will be important to capture the learning coming out of the arrangements and to use this to inform and improve practice going forward so we can maximise the best adoption placements for those children who need them.”

ENDS

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