Adoption service is ‘Outstanding’
An independent inspection has named Somerset County Council’s adoption service ‘Outstanding’.
Cllr John Osman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Somerset County Council, said: “This inspection result is fantastic and welcome recognition for the adoption team in Somerset, who work hard everyday to find loving and secure families for children in care.”
The inspection praised the adoption service for their thorough assessment of potential adopters and their successful matching of children with parents.
The adoption team also received recognition in the inspection for their ongoing support to families, which includes an advisory service, information and development training sessions, and help when liaising with schools. The team works withschools so that teachers can understand the special needs of adopted children to better support their education.
Cllr Osman continued: “I want to congratulate the adoption team for the incredible service they provide that gives children in care in Somerset a better future.
“We are continuing to improve the adoption service and we are reviewing the assessment process to make it faster and more efficient, so that children are adopted more quickly.
“In early November this year, PM David Cameron published league tables of local authority adoption services in England. Somerset is ranked in the top third for our speed to place children for adoption. 78 per cent of children were placed within 12 months, higher than the national average which is 74 per cent. The reason we did not place 100 per cent of children within 12 months is because some of the children had complex cases, special needs and were large sibling groups, and it took a bit of extra time and care to find suitable families. I am pleased to say that all these children now have new homes.
“We have children, particularly sibling groups, waiting for a new mum or dad right now and we need more couples and single people to come forward to give them a home. If you feel you have space in your life to give a child or group of children a loving and secure home then please go online or phone us for an information pack.”
To find out more information about adoption and becoming an adopter visit www.adoptioninsomerset.org.ukor phone 0800 587 9900.
You can also join ‘Adoption in Somerset’ on facebook and follow us on Twitter.
ENDS
For more information, contact Julia Farrar, Communications Officer, on 01823 356618 or email: jfarrar@somerset.gov.uk
Editors notes:
- Link to Ofsted inspection report: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/CARE/SC056858
- Link to the Department for Education’s Adoption Performance Tables: http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/families/adoption/a00199753/children-in-care-and-adoption-performance-tables
Have a question? There are lots of ways to get in touch... simply request a call-back, contact us on freephone 0800 587 9900 or email us at childrens@somerset.gov.uk.