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282 <h2>
282 Placement for Adoption
282 </h2>
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287 <div id="scope_box">
288 <h3>
288 RELATED CHAPTER
288 </h3>
289 <p>
289 This chapter should be read in conjunction with the
289 <a href="g_perm_plan.html">
289 Permanence Planning Guidance
289 </a>
289 and
289 <a href="p_foster_for_adopt.html">
289 Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved
Prospective Adopters Procedure
289 </a>
289 .
289 </p>
290 <p>
290 See also Bexley's Permanency Planning Policy Protocol for Agency Decision when the plan for a
child is adoption and the CAFCASS best practice guidance on children relinquished for adoption
available at:
290 <span class="italic">
290 N:\Directorate of Social & Community Services\Children & Families\Strategies Policies
& Procedures\Adoption and Permanence
290 </span>
290 .
290 </p>
291 <p>
291 <span class="bold">
291 Note:
291 </span>
291 <a href="files/adoption_info_birth_parents.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
291 Bexley - Has adoption been identified as the plan for your child? (Information for birth
parents)
291 </a>
291 </p>
292 <h3>
292 AMENDMENT
292 </h3>
293 <p>
293 This chapter was amended in April 2020 to reflect the suspension of the national Adoption
Register.
293 </p>
294 </div>
295 <div id="sections">
297 <h3 id="sections_list">
297 Contents
297 </h3>
298 <ol>
299 <li>
299 <a href="#planning_perm">
299 Planning for Permanence
299 </a>
299 </li>
300 <li>
300 <a href="#obtaining_agen">
300 Obtaining Agency Approval to Adoption Plan
300 </a>
300 </li>
301 <li>
301 <a href="#prep_adop">
301 Preparation of Child for Adoption
301 </a>
301 </li>
302 <li>
302 <a href="#counselling_supp">
302 Counselling, Support and Information Sharing for Parents
302 </a>
302 </li>
303 <li>
303 <a href="#childs_adop_med">
303 Child's Adoption Medical
303 </a>
303 </li>
304 <li>
304 <a href="#post_place">
304 Post-placement Contact
304 </a>
304 </li>
305 <li>
305 <a href="#identific_adop">
305 Identification of Adoptive Parents (including Inter Agency Placements)
305 </a>
305 </li>
306 <li>
306 <a href="#approval_matching">
306 Approval of Matching of Adoptive Parents
306 </a>
306 </li>
307 <li>
307 <a href="#plan_place">
307 Planning the Placement
307 </a>
307 </li>
308 <li>
308 <a href="#the_placement">
308 The Placement
308 </a>
308 </li>
309 <li>
309 <a href="#chi_adop_place">
309 Children Approved for Adoption for Whom no Placement has been Identified
309 </a>
309 </li>
310 <li>
310 <a href="#adopt_place_abroad">
310 Adoptive Placements Abroad
310 </a>
310 </li>
311 <li>
311 <a href="#info">
311 Further Information
311 </a>
311 </li>
312 </ol>
313 <h3 id="planning_perm">
313 1. Planning for Permanence
313 </h3>
314 <table class="borderless" title="planning for permenence table">
315 <caption class="hide">
315 CAPTION: planning for permanence
315 </caption>
316 <tr class="hide">
317 <th scope="col">
317
317 </th>
318 <th scope="col">
318
318 </th>
319 </tr>
321 <tr>
322 <td>
322 <p>
322 1.1
322 </p>
322 </td>
323 <td>
323 <p>
323 Every Looked After Child must have a Permanence Plan by the date of his or her second Looked
After Review.
323 </p>
323 </td>
324 </tr>
325 <tr>
326 <td style="width:3%">
326 <p>
326 1.2
326 </p>
326 </td>
327 <td>
327 <p>
327 When an adoption plan is being considered in relation to a Looked After Child, consideration
should be given to inviting a representative of the Adoption Service to the relevant
meeting.
327 </p>
327 </td>
328 </tr>
329 <tr>
330 <td style="width:3%">
330 <p>
330 1.3
330 </p>
330 </td>
331 <td>
331 <p>
331 In relation to a Relinquished Child, an early planning meeting should be arranged to which a
representative of the Adoption Service must be invited. Where adoption is considered to be
the preferred option for a relinquished child, it should begin family finding immediately in
order to achieve early placement following the decision.
331 </p>
331 </td>
332 </tr>
333 <tr>
334 <td>
334 <p>
334 1.4
334 </p>
334 </td>
335 <td>
335 <p>
335 Family finding should begin as soon as adoption is under consideration, and before the
Agency Decision Maker decides that the child should be placed for adoption or a Placement
Order is made.
335 </p>
335 </td>
336 </tr>
337 <tr>
338 <td>
338 <p>
338 1.5
338 </p>
338 </td>
339 <td>
339 <p>
339 In the case of siblings, an early decision should be taken as to whether it is in the best
interests of each child to be placed together or separately, and the impact on each child of
that decision. The decision should be based on a balanced assessment of the individual needs
of each child in the group, and the likely or possible consequences of each option on each
child. Factors that may need to be considered will include: the nature of the sibling group
(do the siblings know each other/ how are they related); whether the children have formed an
attachment; the health needs of each child; and each child's view (noting that a child's
views and perceptions will change over time).
339 </p>
339 </td>
340 </tr>
341 <tr>
342 <td>
342 <p>
342 1.6
342 </p>
342 </td>
343 <td>
343 <p>
343 With effect from July 2014, there is a duty (under s. 22C of the Children Act 1989 (amended
by the Children and Families Act 2014)) imposed upon local authorities that where:
343 </p>
344 <ul>
345 <li>
346 <p>
346 They are considering adoption for a child (this can be at an early stage, and can be
before a decision has been made by the Agency Decision Maker that the child should be
place for adoption); or
346 </p>
347 </li>
348 <li>
349 <p>
349 They are satisfied that the child ought to be placed for adoption, but do not yet have
authority to place the child for adoption (either by way of parental consent or by way
of Placement Order);
349 </p>
350 </li>
351 <li>
352 <p>
352 Then the local authority
352 <span class="bold">
352 MUST
352 </span>
352 consider placing the child with:
353 </p>
354 <ul>
355 <li>
356 <p>
356 (Firstly) a relative, friend or Connected Person who is also a local authority
foster carer; or
356 </p>
357 </li>
358 <li>
359 <p>
359 Where they decide that a placement with such a person is not the most appropriate
placement for the child, they must consider placing the child with a local authority
foster carer who has been approved as a prospective adopter (a 'dually approved
carer').
359 </p>
360 </li>
361 </ul>
362 </li>
363 </ul>
363 </td>
364 </tr>
365 <tr>
366 <td>
366 <p>
366 1.7
366 </p>
366 </td>
367 <td>
367 <p>
367 In October 2017,
367 <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2017/16/section/9" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
367 Section 9 of the Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 1(4)(f) of the Adoption
and Children Act 2002
367 </a>
367 added into the list of considerations whenever a court or adoption agency is coming to a
decision relating to the adoption of a child, and now includes the child's relationship with
any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed, as well as the
relationships which the child has with their relatives and with any other persons the court
or agency considers to be relevant.
367 </p>
367 </td>
368 </tr>
369 </table>
370 <p>
370 See
370 <a href="p_foster_for_adopt.html">
370 Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved
Prospective Adopters Procedure
370 </a>
370 .
370 </p>
371 <h3 id="obtaining_agen">
371 2. Obtaining Agency Approval to Adoption Plan
371 </h3>
372 <table class="borderless" title="obtaining agency table">
373 <tr>
374 <td>
374 <p id="para_2.1">
374 2.1
374 </p>
374 </td>
375 <td>
375 <p>
375 From 1 September 2012, not all cases must be referred to the Adoption Panel. Cases where the
criteria apply for the local authority to apply for a Placement Order, i.e. the child is the
subject of a Care Order or the Threshold Criteria for a Care Order are satisfied or where
there is no parent or guardian, will not be referred to the Adoption Panel for a
recommendation, but will be referred directly to the Agency Decision Maker (Adoption) for a
decision. All other cases (i.e. where the parents have given consent and there is no
application for a Placement Order) will continue to be referred to the Adoption Panel for a
recommendation, which the Agency Decision Maker (Adoption) will take into account when
making a decision.
375 </p>
376 <p>
376 As soon as adoption is the Permanence Plan for the child, the child's social worker must:
376 </p>
377 <ul>
378 <li>
379 <p>
379 Arrange a date for the case to be referred to the Adoption Panel (where the parents have
given consent and there is no application for a Placement Order)/ Agency Decision Maker
(Adoption) (in all other cases);
379 <br />
380 <br />
381 This date must be a maximum of 2 months from the date when the adoption plan was
ratified at the child's Looked After Review. Where this timescale is not met, the reason
should be recorded;
381 </p>
382 </li>
383 <li>
384 <p>
384 Continue to provide counselling for the child - see
384 <a href="#prep_adop">
384 Section 3, Preparation of Child for Adoption
384 </a>
384 ;
384 </p>
385 </li>
386 <li>
387 <p>
387 Make a referral to the Adoption Service for a family finder to be identified.
387 </p>
388 </li>
389 </ul>
389 </td>
390 </tr>
391 <tr>
392 <td>
392 <p>
392 2.2
392 </p>
392 </td>
393 <td>
393 <p>
393 The child's social worker opens an Adoption Case Record for the child once adoption has been
identified as the permanence plan for the child at his or her Looked After Review or, where
a child has been relinquished for adoption, as soon as the parent's request for adoption has
been made. Where the plan relates to a group of siblings, there must be a separate Adoption
Case Record for each child.
393 </p>
393 </td>
394 </tr>
395 <tr>
396 <td>
396 <p>
396 2.3
396 </p>
396 </td>
397 <td>
397 <p>
397 If not already obtained, the child's social worker should obtain 2 certified copies of the
child's full birth certificate. These will be required for future Court applications and for
the prospective adopters.
397 </p>
397 </td>
398 </tr>
399 <tr>
400 <td>
400 <p>
400 2.4
400 </p>
400 </td>
401 <td>
401 <p>
401 The child's social worker should give both birth parents written information on adoption and
ask them to sign confirmation of receipt, a copy of which should be kept on the child's
Adoption Case Record and a further copy should be handed to the parents.
401 </p>
402 <p>
402 If either or both of the birth parents refuse to accept or do not receive the information,
this should be recorded, with reasons, on the child's case record and Adoption Case Record.
Where the parents' address is known, the child's social worker should personally deliver or
arrange for delivery by hand of a copy of the information to the address and record this on
the Adoption Case Record. See also
402 <a href="#counselling_supp">
402 Section 4, Counselling and Support for Parents
402 </a>
402 .
402 </p>
402 </td>
403 </tr>
404 <tr>
405 <td>
405 <p>
405 2.5
405 </p>
405 </td>
406 <td>
406 <p>
406 If not already obtained, the child's social worker must seek the birth parents' consent to
the disclosure of information on their medical history to facilitate the Adoption Medical
for the child - for detailed procedures, see
406 <a href="#childs_adop_med">
406 Section 5, Child's Adoption Medical
406 </a>
406 .
406 </p>
406 </td>
407 </tr>
408 <tr>
409 <td>
409 <p>
409 2.6
409 </p>
409 </td>
410 <td>
410 <p>
410 The child's social worker must discuss with the parents their views on the adoption plan,
and arrange the necessary counselling and support for both of the birth parents and any
other significant relatives - see
410 <a href="#counselling_supp">
410 Section 4, Counselling, Support and Information Sharing for Parents
410 </a>
410 . If either or both of the parents decline or refuse counselling and/or support, then this
should be recorded, including the reasons, in the child's electronic record and Adoption
Case Record.
410 </p>
410 </td>
411 </tr>
412 <tr>
413 <td>
413 <p>
413 2.7
413 </p>
413 </td>
414 <td>
414 <p>
414 Where one or both of the birth parents cannot be found, the child's social worker must make
extensive enquiries as to their whereabouts. The social worker should write to the
parent's last known address and contact the Department for Works and Pensions and other
agencies (including the Council Tax Register, the Passport Office and the housing authority)
as appropriate. Consideration should also be given to the need to place advertisements in
the local and national press and legal advice should be sought as to any additional steps
that should be taken.
414 </p>
414 </td>
415 </tr>
416 <tr>
417 <td>
417 <p>
417 2.8
417 </p>
417 </td>
418 <td>
418 <p>
418 The child's social worker must contact the child's health visitor or school health for
current information in relation to the child's health and development.
418 </p>
418 </td>
419 </tr>
420 <tr>
421 <td>
421 <p>
421 2.9
421 </p>
421 </td>
422 <td>
422 <p>
422 The child's social worker must contact the child's school or the relevant local education
service for current information in relation to the child's educational needs.
422 </p>
422 </td>
423 </tr>
424 <tr>
425 <td>
425 <p>
425 2.10
425 </p>
425 </td>
426 <td>
426 <p>
426 The child's social worker must ask the child's carer to complete a report on the child.
(This will be required for the Child's Permanence Report - see
426 <a href="#para_2.13">
426 paragraph 2.13
426 </a>
426 ).
426 </p>
426 </td>
427 </tr>
428 <tr>
429 <td>
429 <p>
429 2.11
429 </p>
429 </td>
430 <td>
430 <p>
430 The child's social worker must ensure that the adoption plan addresses the issue of
post-placement and post-adoption contact. This will include a possible meeting between the
parents and the adopters, and whether there may be ongoing direct contact or indirect
contact via a letterbox system - see
430 <a href="#post_place">
430 Section 6, Post-placement Contact
430 </a>
430 .
430 </p>
431 <p>
431 If the child has siblings, the plan must analyse the relationship between each child in the
sibling group and, if the decision is to place siblings separately, address the issue of
post-placement and post-adoption contact between them.
431 </p>
431 </td>
432 </tr>
433 <tr>
434 <td>
434 <p>
434 2.12
434 </p>
434 </td>
435 <td>
435 <p>
435 The child's social worker must also carry out an assessment of the likely needs for adoption
support services in relation to the child (including the likely need for financial support),
the birth parents and any other person with a significant relationship to the child. For the
detailed procedures, see
435 <a href="p_adop_support.html">
435 Adoption Support Procedure
435 </a>
435 .
435 </p>
435 </td>
436 </tr>
437 <tr>
438 <td>
438 <p id="para_2.13">
438 2.13
438 </p>
438 </td>
439 <td>
439 <p>
439 Using all the information obtained in relation to the above, the child's social worker must
prepare the Child's Permanence Report. The Child's Permanence Report must be written by the
social worker who knows the child best, who must also be a qualified social worker with
suitable experience (see
439 <a href="p_adop_panel.html">
439 Adoption Panel Procedure
439 </a>
439 ).
439 </p>
440 <p>
440 The following areas must be included or addressed in the Report:
440 </p>
441 <ul>
442 <li>
443 <p>
443 Profile of the child, based on a report from the child's current carer as well as other
information about the child's personality, nationality, racial origin, religious
persuasion, legal status and relationship with his/her birth family;
443 </p>
444 </li>
445 <li>
446 <p>
446 A summary, written by the agency's medical adviser, of the state of the child's health,
health history and any need for health care which might arise in the future;
446 </p>
447 </li>
448 <li>
449 <p>
449 The child's wishes in relation to the adoption plan and his or her preferred method of
communication;
449 </p>
450 </li>
451 <li>
452 <p>
452 A chronology of the child's life since birth;
452 </p>
453 </li>
454 <li>
455 <p>
455 The preparation work, undertaken and planned, with the child and the views of the child
in relation to the adoption plan and future contact with his or her birth family;
456 </p>
457 </li>
458 <li>
459 <p>
459 The views of the Children's Guardian (where possible);
459 </p>
460 </li>
461 <li>
462 <p>
462 The views of the birth family and significant others in relation to the adoption plan
and contact and their opportunity to receive and comment on the report before the report
is presented to Adoption Panel/Agency Decision Maker;
462 </p>
463 </li>
464 <li>
465 <p>
465 A report of the child's educational history and current needs, including the Personal
Education Plan (PEP);
465 </p>
466 </li>
467 <li>
468 <p>
468 Any other relevant specialist reports on the child;
468 </p>
469 </li>
470 <li>
471 <p>
471 An assessment of the child's emotional and behavioural development;
471 </p>
472 </li>
473 <li>
474 <p>
474 An assessment of the child's needs for post-placement and post-adoption contact,
including with siblings, and the child's and birth relatives' needs for adoption support
services;
474 </p>
475 </li>
476 <li>
477 <p>
477 A Chronology of the decisions and actions taken by the agency with respect to the child;
477 </p>
478 </li>
479 <li>
480 <p>
480 An analysis of the options for the child's future care and the alternatives to adoption
considered. This must be a balanced view and where experts' assessments are available,
their contents and recommendations - even if not supportive of the adoption plan -
should be included;
480 </p>
481 </li>
482 <li>
483 <p>
483 Where the child has siblings, whether the decision is to place siblings separately or
together and the rationale for the decision;
483 </p>
484 </li>
485 <li>
486 <p>
486 Any other information which the agency considers relevant.
486 </p>
487 </li>
488 </ul>
489 <p>
489 Those parts of the Report that contain factual information about the birth family should be
shared with the relevant family members to enable them to confirm their accuracy and agree
to it being passed on to a child in due course. Any such agreement should be clearly
recorded on the child's case record. Each of the child's parents should be shown those parts
of the Report which set out their views and wishes, and given the opportunity, if they so
wish, to express these in their own words. Where appropriate, the relevant sections of the
Report should also be provided to the child. When shared the parents should be asked to sign
the Report to confirm they have seen it and have had the opportunity to provide any written
comments they wish to make.
489 </p>
489 </td>
490 </tr>
491 <tr>
492 <td>
492 <h4 id="presentation">
492 2.14
492 </h4>
492 </td>
493 <td>
493 <h4>
493 Presentation to the Adoption Panel
493 </h4>
494 <p>
494 See
494 <a href="#para_2.1">
494 paragraph 2.1
494 </a>
494 for circumstances when the case will be referred to the Adoption Panel, and when the case
will be referred directly to the Agency Decision Maker. Where cases are referred directly to
the Agency Decision Maker, paragraph 2.14 does not apply and the procedure is set out in
2.15 below.
494 </p>
495 <p>
495 This must take place within 6 weeks of the completion of the Child's Permanence Report.
495 </p>
496 <p>
496 To enable the Adoption Panel to consider whether the child is suitable to be placed for
adoption, the child's social worker must present the following reports:
496 </p>
497 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
498 <li>
499 <p>
499 A front sheet stating what is being reported, the reports included, the recommendations
sought and who will be attending Adoption Panel;
499 </p>
500 </li>
501 <li>
502 <p>
502 The Child's Permanence Report (including the Medical Adviser's comments) signed by the
child's social worker, the manager and the parent (if willing), and a photograph of the
child, together with the parents' written comments (if any);
502 </p>
503 </li>
504 <li>
505 <p>
505 The child's health report and the health information obtained in relation to the parents
(where the Medical Adviser so advises);
505 </p>
506 </li>
507 <li>
508 <p>
508 Legal advice about parental consent and the option of seeking a Placement Order;
508 </p>
509 </li>
510 <li>
511 <p>
511 Where experts' assessments are available (including where they have been filed in Court
proceedings), their contents and recommendations - even if not supportive of the
adoption plan - should be presented to the Panel/Agency Decision Maker. The full reports
should be presented unless they are voluminous, in which case, as a minimum, those
sections setting out the experts' opinion, conclusions and recommendations should be
provided. A written summary of such reports should only be provided if all parties to
the court proceedings agree in writing that the summary is fair and accurate. Copies of
the full reports should be available for Panel members (at the panel meeting) and the
Agency Decision Maker to consult if desired.
511 </p>
512 </li>
513 </ol>
514 <p>
514 The child's social worker will send the relevant reports to the Panel Administrator at least
10 working days before the relevant date of the Adoption Panel.
514 </p>
515 <p>
515 The child's social worker together with his or her manager if appropriate will attend the
Panel meeting during consideration of the matter. Where a Children's Guardian has been
appointed, consideration should be given to inviting the Children's Guardian to the Panel
during consideration of this item; however, there is no requirement upon the Panel to allow
the children's guardian to attend the Panel and make oral submissions. The report of the
Children's Guardian must not be disclosed without the leave of the court.
515 </p>
516 <p>
516 (
516 <span class="bold">
516 N.B.
516 </span>
516 Where the social worker is seeking a recommendation in relation to a proposed placement of
the child with particular prospective adopters at the same time, the procedure set out in
516 <a href="#approval_matching">
516 Section 8, Approval of Matching of Adoptive Parents
516 </a>
516 must also be followed.)
516 </p>
517 <p>
517 The Panel will consider the written reports and any additional information presented
verbally. The Panel will make a recommendation to the
517 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
517 Agency Decision Maker (Adoption)
517 </a>
517 . Where the Panel recommends that the child should be placed for adoption, it must consider
and may give advice as to future contact arrangements for the child and whether an
application for a Placement Order should be made.
517 </p>
518 <p>
518 The recommendation and advice will be recorded in writing, together with reasons, in the
Panel's minutes. A copy of the relevant minute must be held on the child's Adoption Case
Record.
518 </p>
519 <p>
519 For cases which are presented to the Adoption Panel, the final minutes must be produced
promptly and agreed by the Panel members and then sent to the Agency Decision Maker,
together with the reports considered by the Panel, to allow the decision to be made within
seven working days of receipt of the panel's recommendation and final set of panel minutes.
519 </p>
520 <p>
520 The Agency Decision Maker must record his or her decision in writing, together with reasons.
520 </p>
521 <p>
521 Where the Agency Decision Maker is minded to disagree with the Panel recommendation, he/she
must first discuss the case with another senior officer with relevant experience, who must
not be a Panel member. This discussion must be recorded and placed on the child's Adoption
Case Record.
521 </p>
521 </td>
522 </tr>
523 <tr>
524 <td>
524 <h4>
524 2.15
524 </h4>
524 </td>
525 <td>
525 <h4>
525 Referral directly to Agency Decision Maker
525 </h4>
526 <p>
526 See
526 <a href="#para_2.1">
526 paragraph 2.1
526 </a>
526 for circumstances when the case will be referred to the Adoption Panel, and when the case
will be referred directly to the Agency Decision Maker.
526 </p>
527 <p>
527 Where cases are to be referred directly to the Agency Decision Maker for a decision, a time
should be booked with the Agency Decision Maker for the decision to be made and this should
be a maximum of 2 months from the date when the adoption plan was ratified at the child's
Looked After Review. In order for the decision to be made within this timescale, the Agency
Decision Maker should be sent the same reports and information as would be submitted to the
Adoption Panel, as set out in
527 <a href="#presentation">
527 paragraph 2.14 Presentation to the Adoption Panel
527 </a>
527 .
527 </p>
528 <p>
528 The child's social worker will send the relevant reports to the Agency Adviser at least 10
working days before the relevant date booked with the Agency Decision Maker.
528 </p>
529 <p>
529 The Agency Adviser will be responsible for checking the quality of the reports before they
are submitted to the Agency Decision Maker.
529 </p>
530 <p>
530 In making the decision the Agency Decision Maker may discuss the case with the Agency
Adviser, Medical Adviser and legal adviser. However, there is no provision for adjourning
the decision to allow time for taking advice.
530 <span class="bold">
530 N.B.
530 </span>
530 The Agency Decision Maker (Adoption) is expressly prohibited from referring a case to the
Adoption Panel for advice.
530 </p>
531 <p>
531 The principles of the decision-making should be as set out in
531 <a href="p_adop_panel.html#ag_dec_make">
531 Adoption Panel Procedure, Agency Decision Maker
531 </a>
531 .
531 </p>
531 </td>
532 </tr>
533 <tr>
534 <td>
534 <h4>
534 2.16
534 </h4>
534 </td>
535 <td>
535 <h4>
535 After the Decision
535 </h4>
536 <p>
536 The parents will be informed orally of the agency's decision within two working days and
written confirmation should be sent to them within five working days. These arrangements
will be made by the Agency Decision Maker in conjunction with the child's social worker.
536 </p>
537 <p>
537 The letter setting out the agency decision will be sent by recorded delivery, except where
delivery by hand has been agreed as appropriate, in which case the letter will be forwarded
to the social worker for delivery by hand.
537 </p>
538 <p>
538 The child's social worker will also ensure that the child is informed of the decision in a
timely and age-appropriate way.
538 </p>
539 <p>
539 In cases where the case has been presented to the Adoption Panel and the decision is
different from the Panel's recommendation, a copy of the Panel minute should also be sent to
the parents.
539 </p>
539 </td>
540 </tr>
541 <tr>
542 <td>
542 <p>
542 2.17
542 </p>
542 </td>
543 <td>
543 <p>
543 Where the
543 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
543 Designated Manager (Placement Orders)
543 </a>
543 has made a decision to seek a Placement Order in relation to the child, the child's social
worker should consult Legal Services in order to prepare the Court application. The
child's social worker should inform the child's Independent Reviewing Officer of the Court
timetable including when the placement application is filed. NB Local authorities cannot
make applications for Placement Orders until it has been decided by the Agency Decision
Maker that the child is suitable to be placed for adoption.
543 </p>
543 </td>
544 </tr>
545 <tr>
546 <td>
546 <p>
546 2.18
546 </p>
546 </td>
547 <td>
547 <p>
547 Where there is parental consent to the child's adoptive placement and/or advance parental
consent to the child's adoption, and the child is more than 6 weeks old, the child's social
worker must arrange for a written request to be sent to CAFCASS to appoint an officer to
witness the consent. Where there is parental consent to the child's placement and the child
is less than 6 weeks old, the social worker should ask the parents to sign a written
agreement in the prescribed form to facilitate an early placement.
547 </p>
547 </td>
548 </tr>
549 <tr>
550 <td>
550 <p>
550 2.19
550 </p>
550 </td>
551 <td>
551 <p>
551 The social worker should send to the CAFCASS office closest to the parents' address, a
certified copy of the child's birth certificate, the name and address of the parent, a
chronology of the actions and decisions made by the local authority and confirmation that
the parents have received counselling and written information on the legal implications of
giving consent to the placement/adoption.
551 </p>
552 <p>
552 Where the child lives in Wales, the request should be forwarded to the Welsh National
Assembly.
552 </p>
552 </td>
553 </tr>
554 <tr>
555 <td>
555 <p>
555 2.20
555 </p>
555 </td>
556 <td>
556 <p>
556 On receipt of the parent's consent witnessed by the CAFCASS officer, the original must be
placed on the child's Adoption Case Record (as it will be required for the future adoption
application).
556 </p>
556 </td>
557 </tr>
558 </table>
559 <h3 id="prep_adop">
559 3. Preparation of Child for Adoption
559 </h3>
560 <table class="borderless" title="section 3 - Preparation of Child for Adoption">
561 <tr>
562 <td>
562 <p>
562 3.1
562 </p>
562 </td>
563 <td>
563 <p>
563 The child's social worker will ensure that Life Story Work with the child continues with the
aim as far as possible that:
563 </p>
564 <ul>
565 <li>
566 <p>
566 The child has an understanding of the reasons for the adoption plan and what adoption
will mean;
566 </p>
567 </li>
568 <li>
569 <p>
569 The child has an opportunity to express his or her wishes and feelings about the future;
and
569 </p>
570 </li>
571 <li>
572 <p>
572 The child has information on his or her birth family, which is kept safe and provided to
the adopters and the child at the appropriate time.
572 </p>
573 </li>
574 </ul>
575 <p>
575 As part of the above, the child will be given a Children's Guide to Adoption as soon as
adoption is part of the child's Care Plan. Any information given to the child should be
confirmed in writing and any discussions with the child should be fully recorded. The
child's preferred method of communication should be known and there should be no assumption
that a child is unable to communicate. An interpreter should be arranged where necessary to
ensure that there is effective communication with the child.
575 </p>
576 <p>
576 The social worker should specifically ensure that the child's wishes in relation to
adoption, religious and cultural upbringing and contact with his or her birth family are
ascertained.
576 </p>
577 <p>
577 Where a child's wishes are not acted upon, for example a child's wish to be placed with his
or her siblings, this should be explained to the child, with reasons, and should be fully
recorded.
577 </p>
577 </td>
578 </tr>
579 <tr>
580 <td style="width:3%">
580 <p>
580 3.2
580 </p>
580 </td>
581 <td>
581 <p>
581 The foster carers' supervising social worker will support the foster carers in playing their
part in the implementation of the plan, including careful recording by the foster carers of
any changes in the child's behaviour.
581 </p>
581 </td>
582 </tr>
583 <tr>
584 <td>
584 <p>
584 3.3
584 </p>
584 </td>
585 <td>
585 <p>
585 Once an adoptive placement has been identified and approved, the child's social worker is
responsible for ensuring the child is properly prepared for the first meeting with the
prospective adoptive family and is appropriately counselled during the period of
introductions - see
585 <a href="#plan_place">
585 Section 9, Planning the Placement
585 </a>
585 .
585 </p>
586 <p>
586 As part of the preparation of the child for the adoptive placement, information will be
provided to ensure that s/he has a proper understanding about the accommodation and others
living at the prospective adoptive home, the contact arrangements with the birth family and
how to contact his or her social worker.
586 </p>
586 </td>
587 </tr>
588 <tr>
589 <td>
589 <p>
589 3.4
589 </p>
589 </td>
590 <td>
590 <p>
590 The child's social worker will encourage the parents to write a 'Later Life' letter for the
child, and to provide information to enable the social worker to write a 'Later Life' letter
for the child (to give to the adopters) within 10 working days of adoption ceremony, i.e.
the ceremony to celebrate the making of the adoption order.
590 </p>
590 </td>
591 </tr>
592 </table>
593 <h3 id="counselling_supp">
593 4. Counselling, Support and Information Sharing for Parents
593 </h3>
594 <table class="borderless" title="section 4 - Counselling and Support for Parents">
595 <caption class="hide">
595 CAPTION: Section 4 Counselling and Support
595 </caption>
596 <tr class="hide">
597 <th scope="col">
597
597 </th>
598 <th scope="col">
598
598 </th>
599 </tr>
601 <tr>
602 <td>
602 <h4>
602 4.1
602 </h4>
602 </td>
603 <td colspan="2">
603 <h4>
603 Counselling and Support for Parents
603 </h4>
603 </td>
604 </tr>
605 <tr>
606 <td>
606
606 </td>
607 <td>
607 <p>
607 4.1.1
607 </p>
607 </td>
608 <td>
608 <p>
608 Both parents must be offered counselling and support irrespective of whether they have
Parental Responsibility unless there are exceptional circumstances, in which case legal
advice should be taken and the reasons for not arranging counselling recorded.
608 </p>
608 </td>
609 </tr>
610 <tr>
611 <td>
611
611 </td>
612 <td style="width:3%">
612 <p>
612 4.1.2
612 </p>
612 </td>
613 <td>
613 <p>
613 It may also be appropriate for members of the extended family to receive counselling or
support, where they have played a significant role in the child's life.
613 </p>
613 </td>
614 </tr>
615 <tr>
616 <td>
616
616 </td>
617 <td>
617 <p>
617 4.1.3
617 </p>
617 </td>
618 <td>
618 <p>
618 The child's social worker must explain to both parents (including a parent without Parental
Responsibility) the reasons for the adoption plan and the key stages of the adoption
process, including the likely time-scales and any contact arrangements; in addition the
social worker should provide them with written information on the adoption process covering
the areas set out in
618 <a href="#para_4.8">
618 paragraph 4.1.8
618 </a>
618 a) to g), l) and m) below and this should be recorded. (See
618 <a href="#procedural">
618 Section 4.2, Procedural Fairness
618 </a>
618 ).
618 </p>
619 <p>
619 <a href="files/adoption_info_birth_parents.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
619 Bexley - Has adoption been identified as the plan for your child? (Information for birth
parents)
619 </a>
619 </p>
619 </td>
620 </tr>
621 <tr>
622 <td>
622
622 </td>
623 <td>
623 <p>
623 4.1.4
623 </p>
623 </td>
624 <td>
624 <p>
624 If either or both of the birth parents refuse to accept or do not receive the written
information, this should be recorded, including the reasons, on the child's case file and
Adoption Case Record.
624 </p>
625 <p>
625 Where the parents' address is known, the child's social worker should personally deliver or
arrange for delivery by hand of a copy of the information to the address and record this on
the Adoption Case Record.
625 </p>
625 </td>
626 </tr>
627 <tr>
628 <td>
628
628 </td>
629 <td>
629 <p>
629 4.1.5
629 </p>
629 </td>
630 <td>
630 <p>
630 The child's social worker must also seek to ascertain the parent's views on the matters set
out in
630 <a href="#para_h_and_k">
630 paragraph 4.1.8, h) and k)
630 </a>
630 below and offer to arrange independent support for both birth parents (including unmarried
fathers). The purpose of the support is to ensure that the alternatives to adoption have
been explored and the implications of adoption fully discussed. It also offers the parents
the opportunity to express their views in relation to the plans for the child, and to be
involved in planning for the child's future wherever possible. Where the offer of support is
accepted, the social worker should make the necessary arrangements for a referral for
independent support to be made.
630 </p>
630 </td>
631 </tr>
632 <tr>
633 <td>
633
633 </td>
634 <td>
634 <p>
634 4.1.6
634 </p>
634 </td>
635 <td>
635 <p>
635 The support may need to be provided by a specialist worker, for example where the parent has
poor mental health or learning disabilities. If so, the social worker should ensure that an
appropriate resource is identified.
635 </p>
635 </td>
636 </tr>
637 <tr>
638 <td>
638
638 </td>
639 <td>
639 <p>
639 4.1.7
639 </p>
639 </td>
640 <td>
640 <p>
640 The specific needs of parents arising from their ethnicity must always be taken into
account. An interpreter must be arranged where English is not their preferred language.
640 </p>
640 </td>
641 </tr>
642 <tr>
643 <td>
643
643 </td>
644 <td>
644 <p id="para_4.8">
644 4.1.8
644 </p>
644 </td>
645 <td>
645 <p>
645 The counselling and support will cover the following areas:
645 </p>
646 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
647 <li>
648 <p>
648 Explaining the key stages of the adoption process and likely time-scales;
648 </p>
649 </li>
650 <li>
651 <p>
651 Explaining, where appropriate, the procedure for seeking a Placement Order;
651 </p>
652 </li>
653 <li>
654 <p>
654 Explaining the parents' legal rights, including to apply for a Contact Order, the right
of the unmarried father to seek a Parental Responsibility Order a Child Arrangements
Order in relation to the child;
654 </p>
655 </li>
656 <li>
657 <p>
657 Explaining the role of the Adoption Panel/Agency Decision Maker;
657 </p>
658 </li>
659 <li>
660 <p>
660 Explaining the role of CAFCASS in witnessing consent or acting as the Children's
Guardian;
660 </p>
661 </li>
662 <li>
663 <p>
663 Explaining the way the Adoption Contact Register works and how an adopted adult may seek
information about the birth family in the future or register a wish not to be contacted;
663 </p>
664 </li>
665 <li>
666 <p>
666 Explaining how prospective adoptive parents are assessed;
666 </p>
667 </li>
668 <li>
669 <p id="para_h_and_k">
669 Ascertaining the parents' views on the adoption plan, including the selection of the
adoptive family, any specific ethnic, cultural or religious needs of the child, and any
plan to separate a sibling group. Their views on these issues should be recorded;
669 </p>
670 </li>
671 <li>
672 <p>
672 Dealing with grief and loss;
672 </p>
673 </li>
674 <li>
675 <p>
675 Where there is parental consent to the adoption, explaining the process for giving their
written consent to an adoptive placement or advance consent to the adoption (including
the role of CAFCASS), their right to state that they do not wish to be informed of an
adoption application, and that they have the right to withdraw their consent to an
adoptive placement at any time up to the making of an adoption application, but the
restriction of their rights to do so after an adoption application has been made;
675 </p>
676 </li>
677 <li>
678 <p>
678 Ascertaining the parents' views on post-placement and post-adoption contact including
whether they would wish to meet the adoptive family and if so, how they might prepare
for this;
678 </p>
679 </li>
680 <li>
681 <p>
681 Providing information to the parents on national and local support groups, and other
possible sources of help;
681 </p>
682 </li>
683 <li>
684 <p>
684 Explaining how the parents may be able to provide information to be passed to adopters,
for example, on the child's birth and early life, which may be of benefit to the child;
684 </p>
685 </li>
686 </ol>
686 </td>
687 </tr>
688 <tr>
689 <td>
689
689 </td>
690 <td>
690 <p>
690 4.1.9
690 </p>
690 </td>
691 <td>
691 <p>
691 The parents should be encouraged to seek legal advice particularly where they are opposed to
the adoption plan. Where there is an unmarried father without Parental Responsibility, the
social worker should also ascertain if he intends to apply for a Parental Responsibility
Order and a Child Arrangements Order.
691 </p>
691 </td>
692 </tr>
693 <tr>
694 <td>
694
694 </td>
695 <td>
695 <p>
695 4.1.10
695 </p>
695 </td>
696 <td>
696 <p>
696 The parents and their solicitors, if appropriate, must be sent copies of any written
consents and/or recording of their views.
696 </p>
696 </td>
697 </tr>
698 <tr>
699 <td>
699
699 </td>
700 <td>
700 <p>
700 4.1.11
700 </p>
700 </td>
701 <td>
701 <p>
701 Where the parents refuse or decline to accept counselling and/or support, the child's social
worker must record the attempts made to persuade the parents and the reasons for their
refusal in the child's file and Adoption Case Record.
701 </p>
701 </td>
702 </tr>
703 <tr>
704 <td>
704
704 </td>
705 <td>
705 <p>
705 4.1.12
705 </p>
705 </td>
706 <td>
706 <p>
706 Where the parents are seeking to have an expected child adopted, the counselling must start
before the baby's birth. In addition, the child's social worker must cover practical tasks
such as the arrangements for the birth, the parents' own contact with the child after the
birth, the intended length of the mother's hospital stay and their wishes regarding the
timing of the placement. After the child's birth, the counselling and support must continue.
The social worker should then confirm with the parents that they still wish to pursue
adoption for the child. (See
706 <a href="p_relinquished_children.html">
706 Relinquished Children Procedure
706 </a>
706 ).
706 </p>
706 </td>
707 </tr>
708 <tr>
709 <td>
709
709 </td>
710 <td>
710 <p>
710 4.1.13
710 </p>
710 </td>
711 <td>
711 <p>
711 The social worker should arrange for photographs to be taken of the child and, if they
agree, the parents and other significant people and places, for inclusion in the child's
Life Story Book.
711 </p>
711 </td>
712 </tr>
713 <tr>
714 <td>
714 <h4>
714 4.2
714 </h4>
714 </td>
715 <td colspan="2">
715 <h4 id="procedural">
715 Procedural Fairness
715 </h4>
715 </td>
716 </tr>
717 <tr>
718 <td>
718
718 </td>
719 <td colspan="2">
719 <p>
719 The local authority must ensure that the parents are informed and advised of the key stages
of the plan for adoption so that the parents have every opportunity to challenge the plan.
The adoption agency/local authority must be clear as to when it needs leave of the court to
place a child and when a placement can be made without leave of the court.
719 </p>
720 <p>
720 In a judicial review, (see
720 <a href="http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2017/1041.html" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
720 [2017] EWHC 1041 (Admin)
720 </a>
720 ) Placement for Adoption has been confirmed as having 'significant legal and emotional
impacts for all involved, and so the child, the parent and the prospective adopters. So, it
is an important step in the process leading to an adoption'. The judgement identifies that:
720 </p>
721 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-roman">
722 <li>
722 There is the opportunity for the person affected to make representation before the
decision is acted upon;
722 </li>
723 <li>
723 The affected person is provided with information so that they can act in a timely way;
723 </li>
724 <li>
724 This information should relate 'to the relevant legal or administrative process or to
facts relating to when a decision is to be made and put into effect'.
724 </li>
725 </ol>
726 <p>
726 Therefore, as a matter of good practice, and especially where parents have indicated their
opposition to an adoption order, the social worker should inform them in a timely way, and
in writing, of their intention to proceed with the plan of placement for adoption. (
726 <span class="bold">
726 Note:
726 </span>
726 where the child is already in placement and is being adopted by, for example a foster carer,
the same notice should be sent in respect of changing the status from that of being a
'Looked After Placement', to that of being 'Placed for Adoption').
726 </p>
727 <p>
727 Practitioners must bear in mind that a court's determination of 'procedural fairness' will
not be based on what appears to them to be a typical interpretation of 'the best interests
of the child', but on the issues highlighted above. (See para 26, [2017] EWHC 1041 (Admin))
(as above).
727 </p>
728 <p>
728 'Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done', (
728 <a href="http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2008/439.html" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
728 para 44 in Re F (Placement Order) [2008] 2 FLR 550
728 </a>
728 )
728 </p>
728 </td>
729 </tr>
730 </table>
731 <h3 id="childs_adop_med">
731 5. Child's Adoption Medical
731 </h3>
732 <table class="borderless" title="section 5 - Child's Adoption Medical">
733 <tr>
734 <td style="width:3%">
734 <p id="para_5.1">
734 5.1
734 </p>
734 </td>
735 <td>
735 <p>
735 As soon as the adoption plan becomes part of the child's Care Plan, the child's social
worker should write to the Medical Adviser regarding an adoption medical for the child. The
Medical Adviser should be asked for advice on whether a full developmental medical is
required and if so, who should conduct the medical and whether any tests or opinions are
required. (In some cases, the Medical Adviser may consider that there is already sufficient
up-to-date health information on the child and a further medical examination is not
required).
735 </p>
735 </td>
736 </tr>
737 <tr>
738 <td style="width:3%">
738 <p>
738 5.2
738 </p>
738 </td>
739 <td>
739 <p>
739 The child's social worker should send the Forms B and M (requesting an obstetric report on
the mother and neo-natal report on the child) to the hospital social work team (if one
exists at the hospital where the child was born) or the Hospital Administrator with a
request that the Form be completed and returned to the social worker. Where the child was
born at home, the Form should be sent to the mother's GP.
739 </p>
739 </td>
740 </tr>
741 <tr>
742 <td style="width:3%">
742 <p>
742 5.3
742 </p>
742 </td>
743 <td>
743 <p>
743 The child's social worker should write to the Medical Adviser requesting a medical for the
child and at the same time inform the Medical Adviser when Forms B and M were requested.
743 </p>
744 <p>
744 The procedure needs to be started without delay so that the adoption medical can be
arranged; the adoption medical must take place before the child's plan for adoption is
considered by the Adoption Panel/Agency Decision Maker, (unless the Medical Adviser has
advised it unnecessary - see
744 <a href="#para_5.1">
744 paragraph 5.1
744 </a>
744 ). The Medical Adviser must be in a position to advise the Panel/Agency Decision Maker of
the child's health needs.
744 </p>
744 </td>
745 </tr>
746 <tr>
747 <td style="width:3%">
747 <p>
747 5.4
747 </p>
747 </td>
748 <td>
748 <p>
748 The child's social worker must seek the cooperation of both birth parents to provide written
consent to the disclosure of medical information if this has not already been provided,
including obtaining their consent to the Medical Adviser approaching their GP if necessary,
as well as obtaining their written consent to the obstetric report on the mother and
neo-natal report on the child.
748 </p>
748 </td>
749 </tr>
750 <tr>
751 <td>
751 <p>
751 5.5
751 </p>
751 </td>
752 <td>
752 <p>
752 The importance of the disclosure of medical information must be explained to the parents but
where the parents refuse to sign consent forms, the social worker must complete as much as
possible on the relevant forms, record the attempts made to engage the parents and the
reasons for refusal in the child's file and Adoption Case Record, and inform the Medical
Adviser of the position.
752 </p>
752 </td>
753 </tr>
754 <tr>
755 <td>
755 <p>
755 5.6
755 </p>
755 </td>
756 <td>
756 <p>
756 The child's social worker should send the relevant age-appropriate CoramBAAF Form for
completion after the medical.
756 </p>
756 </td>
757 </tr>
758 <tr>
759 <td>
759 <p>
759 5.7
759 </p>
759 </td>
760 <td>
760 <p>
760 The foster carer should attend the medical with the child and, if appropriate, the
child's social worker should also attend.
760 </p>
760 </td>
761 </tr>
762 <tr>
763 <td>
763 <p>
763 5.8
763 </p>
763 </td>
764 <td>
764 <p>
764 The information on the child's medical report must be kept up to date if a placement is not
immediately forthcoming. This must be done twice yearly for a child aged below 2 and
annually for a child of 2 and above. The Medical Adviser may, however, make specific
recommendations in relation to particular children.
764 </p>
764 </td>
765 </tr>
766 </table>
767 <h3 id="post_place">
767 6. Post-placement Contact
767 </h3>
768 <table class="borderless" title="section 6 - Post-Placement Contact">
769 <tr>
770 <td>
770 <p>
770 6.1
770 </p>
770 </td>
771 <td>
771 <p>
771 The child's social worker must undertake a written assessment as to the best interests of
the child to support any contact proposals as part of an adoption plan, or reasons why no
contact is recommended. This assessment will take account of the views of the child, the
parents, the foster carers and any other significant family members, as well as evidence of
attachment and the quality of relationships, based on observations of contact and the
child's behaviour before, during and after contact.
771 </p>
771 </td>
772 </tr>
773 <tr>
774 <td style="width:3%">
774 <p>
774 6.2
774 </p>
774 </td>
775 <td>
775 <p>
775 Where there is a sibling group, each child must be assessed separately and together as a
group.
775 </p>
775 </td>
776 </tr>
777 <tr>
778 <td>
778 <p>
778 6.3
778 </p>
778 </td>
779 <td>
779 <p>
779 The assessment should determine whether post-placement and post-adoption contact between the
child and the parents and/or siblings would be in the child's best interests, and if so,
what form it should take. The nature and frequency of contact will be influenced by the need
to maintain attachments and/or long-term identity issues.
779 </p>
779 </td>
780 </tr>
781 <tr>
782 <td>
782 <p>
782 6.4
782 </p>
782 </td>
783 <td>
783 <p>
783 Post-placement and post-adoption contact may take the following forms:
783 </p>
784 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
785 <li>
786 <p>
786 Adoptive parents providing non-identifying information about the child to the birth
family through letter-box contact organised and maintained by the adoption service (one
way indirect contact);
786 </p>
787 </li>
788 <li>
789 <p>
789 Adoptive parents and the birth family sharing non-identifying information about
themselves through letter-box contact organised and maintained by the adoption service
(two way indirect contact);
789 </p>
790 </li>
791 <li>
792 <p>
792 Direct letter box and/or telephone contact between the adoptive parents and the birth
family;
792 </p>
793 </li>
794 <li>
795 <p>
795 Direct face-to-face contact between the child and the birth family, which may be
organised and maintained by the adoption service, where such continuing support is
appropriate.
795 </p>
796 </li>
797 </ol>
797 </td>
798 </tr>
799 <tr>
800 <td>
800 <p>
800 6.5
800 </p>
800 </td>
801 <td>
801 <p>
801 Any proposed post-placement and post-adoption contact should be in line with any Court
Orders.
801 </p>
801 </td>
802 </tr>
803 <tr>
804 <td>
804 <p>
804 6.6
804 </p>
804 </td>
805 <td>
805 <p>
805 Where post-placement and post-adoption contact is considered to be in the child's interests,
it should be part of the information shared with prospective adoptive parents during the
matching process - see
805 <a href="#identific_adop">
805 Section 7, Identification of Adoptive Parents (including Inter Agency Placements)
805 </a>
805 and also part of the planning of the placement - see
805 <a href="#plan_place">
805 Section 9, Planning the Placement
805 </a>
805 .
805 </p>
805 </td>
806 </tr>
807 </table>
808 <p>
808 When making an Adoption Order,
808 <span class="bold">
808 or at any time afterwards
808 </span>
808 , the court may (upon application or on its own initiative) make an order for contact with, or an
order prohibiting contact with, the person(s) named in the order. Such orders have effect until
the child's 18th birthday, unless revoked sooner.
808 </p>
809 <p>
809 An order for contact requires the adopter to allow the child to visit, stay with or otherwise have
contact with, the person named in the order.
809 </p>
810 <p>
810 The following people may be named in an order:
810 </p>
811 <ul>
812 <li>
812 The child;
812 </li>
813 <li>
813 The Agency;
813 </li>
814 <li>
814 Any person who (but for the child's adoption) would be related to the child by blood (including
half-blood), marriage or civil partnership;
814 </li>
815 <li>
815 Any former guardian of the child;
815 </li>
816 <li>
816 Any person who had Parental Responsibility for the child immediately before the making of the
Adoption Order;
816 </li>
817 <li>
817 Any person with whom the child has lived for a period of at least one year (this period need
not be continuous, but must be within the last 5 years);
817 </li>
818 <li>
818 Any person who had a previous order for contact under Children Act 1989, which order ceased to
have effect upon the agency being authorised to place the child for adoption;
818 </li>
819 <li>
819 Any person who had a Child Arrangements Order (previously Residence Order) immediately before
the agency was authorised to place the child for adoption;
819 </li>
820 <li>
820 Any person who had care of the child under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court
immediately before the agency was authorised to place the child for adoption.
820 </li>
821 </ul>
822 <p>
822 The adopters or the child may apply without the leave of the court, whilst any other person,
including the child's birth parents and other birth relatives, e.g. grandparents or siblings,
would need the court's leave to apply.
822 </p>
823 <p>
823 In deciding whether to grant leave to apply, the court must consider:
823 </p>
824 <ul>
825 <li>
825 Any risk there might be of the proposed application disrupting the child's life to such an
extent that s/he would be harmed by it (within the meaning of the 1989 Act);
825 </li>
826 <li>
826 The applicant's connection with the child; and
826 </li>
827 <li>
827 Any representations made to the court by the child and/or the adopter/prospective adopter.
827 </li>
828 </ul>
829 <p>
829 Orders may contain directions about how they are to take effect, or may be made subject to such
conditions as the court thinks appropriate.
829 </p>
830 <p>
830 The court will issue a timetable and directions with the aim of resolving the application without
delay.
830 </p>
831 <p>
831 Applications prohibiting contact are unlikely to be necessary in the majority of cases and are
only likely to be appropriate to stop unwanted, unsolicited and potentially harmful contact with
the child, or to prevent such contact happening.
831 </p>
832 <p>
832 The circumstances in which a birth parent, relative or other person are most likely to seek the
court's leave to apply for an order for contact after adoption are where an agreement for some
form of continuing contact had been made, but was not adhered to.
832 </p>
833 <p>
833 Application can be made to the court to vary or revoke such orders, by the child, adopter or
person named in the order.
833 </p>
834 <h3 id="identific_adop">
834 7. Identification of Adoptive Parents (including Inter Agency Placements)
834 </h3>
835 <p>
835 See also
835 <a href="p_foster_for_adopt.html">
835 Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved
Prospective Adopters Procedure
835 </a>
835 .
835 </p>
836 <p>
836 The adoption agency has a duty to identify prospective adopters as soon as reasonably
practicable. Family finding should begin as soon as adoption is under consideration, and before
the Agency Decision Maker decides that the child should be placed for adoption or a Placement
Order is made.
836 </p>
837 <p>
837 In determining whether a prospective adopter may be suitable to adopt the child, an assessment
must be made of the ability of the prospective adopter to meet the needs of the child throughout
childhood.
837 </p>
838 <p>
838 Consideration must be given as to whether there are suitable carers available under the
838 <a href="p_foster_for_adopt.html">
838 Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved
Prospective Adopters Procedure
838 </a>
838 .
838 </p>
839 <p>
839 The overall time-scale for matching a child with a prospective adoptive family is:
839 </p>
840 <ul>
841 <li>
841 The match is to be identified, recommended by the Adoption Panel and approved within 6 months of
the agency's formal approval that the child is suitable to be placed for adoption, except in the
following cases;
841 </li>
842 <li>
842 Where a parent requests adoption for a child of less than six months of age, the match is to be
identified, recommended by the Adoption Panel and approved within 3 months of the agency's
formal approval that the child is suitable to be placed for adoption.
842 <br />
843 <br />
844 </li>
845 </ul>
846 <table class="borderless" title="section 7 - Identification of Adoptive Parents">
847 <tr>
848 <td>
848 <p>
848 7.1
848 </p>
848 </td>
849 <td>
849 <p>
849 Following the identification of the family finder (see
849 <a href="#para_2.1">
849 paragraph 2.1
849 </a>
849 ), the timing of the start of the family finding will depend on the legal position and be
agreed between the child's social worker and the family finder.
849 </p>
849 </td>
850 </tr>
851 <tr>
852 <td style="width:3%">
852 <p>
852 7.2
852 </p>
852 </td>
853 <td>
853 <p>
853 The child's social worker and the family finder will address the following issues:
853 </p>
854 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
855 <li>
856 <p>
856 The preparation of the child's profile and to identify any other information about the
child, which is needed in order to identify a suitable family;
856 </p>
857 </li>
858 <li>
859 <p>
859 To consider who should undertake the preparation of the child, and to determine how the
child may be involved in and express views about the process of finding a family;
859 </p>
860 </li>
861 <li>
862 <p>
862 To discuss parental involvement in the placement process (and parental consent to
advertising, if applicable);
862 </p>
863 </li>
864 <li>
865 <p>
865 To agree that the social worker will keep Legal Services informed of developments and
seek the Court's leave to advertising where Court proceedings are ongoing;
865 </p>
866 </li>
867 <li>
868 <p>
868 To consider whether or not the child's current carer would be appropriate as a
prospective permanent placement - if so, see
868 <a href="#para_seven_eleven">
868 paragraph 7.12
868 </a>
868 ;
868 </p>
869 </li>
870 <li>
871 <p>
871 To plan the family finding work, giving consideration to the availability of in-house
approved families, the opportunity of an inter-agency placement, and advertising for
families in the national, local and ethnic media. To agree time-scales for the family
finding work including the holding of progress meetings.
871 <br />
872 <br />
873 The child's social worker, current foster carer and the family finder will complete the
child's profile, identifying the child's needs in relation to a new family, including
ethnicity, culture, religion, language, contact with birth family and existing networks,
education, health, other special needs and location, and the qualities required in the
adoptive family, based on the child's identified placement needs. The profile should
identify which needs are essential and which preferred. (Note: If the prospective
adopter can meet most of the child's needs, the social worker must not delay placing a
child with the prospective adopter because they are single, older than other adopters or
does not share the child's racial or cultural background.)
873 <br />
874 <br />
875 Where the profile indicates the child should not be placed locally, there should also be
a written risk assessment to support this conclusion.
875 </p>
876 </li>
877 </ol>
877 </td>
878 </tr>
879 <tr>
880 <td style="width:3%">
880 <p>
880 7.3
880 </p>
880 </td>
881 <td>
881 <p>
881 The family finder will consider whether there are any potentially suitable in-house approved
families (including families going through the assessment process) by sharing the child's
profile with the Adoption Service and reading copies of any available Prospective
Adopter's Reports.
881 </p>
882 <p>
882 Where foster carers express an interest in adopting a child placed with them, see
882 <a href="#para_seven_eleven">
882 paragraph 7.12
882 </a>
882 .
882 </p>
882 </td>
883 </tr>
884 <tr>
885 <td>
885 <p>
885 7.4
885 </p>
885 </td>
886 <td>
886 <p id="para_seven_four">
886 Where there are potentially suitable in-house approved families indicating an interest, the
family's adoption link worker will visit to clarify whether they wish to be considered. In
complex cases, the child's social worker will accompany the link worker to enable specific
issues to be discussed.
886 </p>
886 </td>
887 </tr>
888 <tr>
889 <td>
889 <p>
889 7.5
889 </p>
889 </td>
890 <td>
890 <p>
890 Where suitable in-house approved adoptive families are available, the family finder will
arrange a Matching Meeting involving the child's social worker, the social worker's manager
and the adoption link workers for the potential families. The Adoption Service Manager or
his/her nominee will chair the meeting.
890 </p>
890 </td>
891 </tr>
892 <tr>
893 <td>
893 <p>
893 7.6
893 </p>
893 </td>
894 <td>
894 <p>
894 The purpose of the meeting is to consider the available in-house approved potential
families, and decide which appears the best able to meet the child's needs. The meeting
should also consider:
894 </p>
895 <ul>
896 <li>
897 <p>
897 The preparation of the child, the present carers and the prospective adopters for the
proposed placement, including the sharing of information with the prospective adopters;
897 </p>
898 </li>
899 <li>
900 <p>
900 The preparation of the birth family and the information to be given;
900 </p>
901 </li>
902 <li>
903 <p>
903 The allocation of preparatory tasks for the introductory work;
903 </p>
904 </li>
905 <li>
906 <p>
906 The proposed Adoption Support Plan and any proposed contact arrangements;
906 </p>
907 </li>
908 <li>
909 <p>
909 The designated roles and responsibilities for completing the Adoption Placement Report
and the proposed Adoption Support Plan.
909 </p>
910 </li>
911 </ul>
911 </td>
912 </tr>
913 <tr>
914 <td>
914 <p>
914 7.7
914 </p>
914 </td>
915 <td>
915 <p>
915 The relevant adoption link workers for the family/families concerned will inform the
selected family and the unsuccessful families of the decision, together with reasons, on the
same day as the meeting. They will also offer follow up discussions as required.
915 </p>
915 </td>
916 </tr>
917 <tr>
918 <td>
918 <p>
918 7.8
918 </p>
918 </td>
919 <td>
919 <p>
919 Ethnicity must not be placed above everything else when identifying potential adopters for
children.
919 </p>
920 <p>
920 It is unacceptable for a child to be denied adoptive parents solely on the grounds that the
child and prospective adopter do not share the same racial or cultural background.
920 </p>
921 <p>
921 If a prospective adopter can meet most of the child's needs, but, for example they do not
share the child's racial or cultural background, the core issue is what qualities,
experiences and attributes the prospective adopter can draw on and their level of
understanding of the discrimination and racism the child may be confronted with when growing
up, at both an individual and institutional level. A prospective adopter can be matched with
a child with whom they do not share the same ethnicity, if they can respect, reflect or
actively develop a child's racial identity from the point they are matched and as they
develop throughout their childhood. The prospective adopter needs to demonstrate that they
fully understand that having a child from a different ethnic group will present a number of
challenges, not least that there may be visible differences that can affect a child's
self-esteem and increase their possible feelings of difference. For example, the child may
have to deal with questions from their peers about why they are 'different' to their family.
921 </p>
922 <p>
922 With effect from July 2014, by virtue of the Children and Families Act 2014, adoption
agencies no longer have to give due consideration to a child's religious persuasion, racial
origin and cultural and linguistic background when matching a child and prospective
adopters.
922 </p>
923 <p>
923 When a child has developed a sense of his or her culture or religion, and where he or she
has already begun to speak a language other than English, it is important to find
prospective adopters who, while not necessarily sharing any of these, are willing and able
to help the child develop these important elements of their future identity.
923 </p>
924 <p>
924 Where a child is very young, particularly when still in infancy, it is important not to
make assumptions about religion, culture or language and these should not be imposed on a
very young child. A sense of one's culture is developed over time and it should not be
assumed that an infant possesses a cultural, linguistic or religious background. These
issues can be explored with the child as he or she grows up and a sensitive prospective
adopter will encourage the child, if he or she wishes to do so, to probe these aspects of
their birth parents' background. All prospective adopters should help children placed with
them to understand and appreciate their background and, particularly in the case of older
children, their religion, linguistic or cultural background, for example, celebrating
cultural or religious festivals. Prospective adopters should be able to access support,
education and training to strengthen their skills together with their knowledge and
understanding of the child's birth heritage, to help the child develop a healthy racial and
adoptive identity.
924 </p>
924 </td>
925 </tr>
926 <tr>
927 <td>
927 <p>
927 7.9
927 </p>
927 </td>
928 <td>
928 <p>
928 The family finder will provide the selected prospective adopters with full information on
the child, including the Child's Permanence Report, the child's profile, a full description
of the birth family including any siblings and the reasons for any decision to place the
child separately, the child's medical history (including the birth details), the carer's
report on the child, the current school reports and the child's PEP. The items provided
should be clearly recorded and the prospective adopters should be asked to sign confirmation
of receipt of this information.
928 </p>
928 </td>
929 </tr>
930 <tr>
931 <td>
931 <p>
931 7.10
931 </p>
931 </td>
932 <td>
932 <p>
932 The family finder should also arrange to meet the prospective adopters, with the child's
social worker (and carer if appropriate), to give any further information to them and ensure
they have a clear picture of the child and understand fully the implications of the
information they have received. In appropriate cases, the prospective adopters should have
the opportunity to meet other specialists involved with the child, for example the Medical
Adviser.
932 </p>
932 </td>
933 </tr>
934 <tr>
935 <td>
935 <p>
935 7.11
935 </p>
935 </td>
936 <td>
936 <p>
936 If there are no suitable in-house prospective or approved adoptive carers who can meet the
child's identified essential needs, the adoption worker must explore inter-agency options.
936 </p>
936 </td>
937 </tr>
938 <tr>
939 <td>
939 <p>
939 7.12
939 </p>
939 </td>
940 <td>
940 <p id="para_seven_eleven">
940 Where foster carers express an interest in adopting a child they are looking after, and
there is an adoption plan for the child, the family finder will talk to them about the
implications of adoption and will convene a Matching Meeting involving the child's social
worker, his or her line manager and the foster carers' supervising social worker (with his
or her line manager where appropriate). The chair of the meeting will be the Adoption
Service Manager or his/her nominee. If the outcome of the meeting is that the foster carers
appear to be able to meet the child's essential needs, the case will be allocated for an
assessment of the foster carers as adopters to proceed (see
940 <a href="p_assess_approval.html">
940 Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters Procedure
940 </a>
940 ).
940 </p>
941 <p>
941 If they are approved as adopters, the requirements set out in
941 <a href="#approval_matching">
941 Section 8, Approval of Matching of Adoptive Parents
941 </a>
941 as to the approval of the matching and in
941 <a href="#the_placement">
941 Section 10, The Placement
941 </a>
941 as to the provision of information and notification of the placement must be followed.
941 </p>
942 <p>
942 If the outcome of the meeting is that the foster carers are not able to meet the child's
essential needs, the recruitment of adopters as set out in the preceding and following
paragraphs of this chapter will apply. The foster carers' supervising worker will provide
support and counselling to the foster carers as appropriate.
942 </p>
943 <p>
943 If the foster carers decide to proceed with an application to adopt the child without the
agreement of the agency, the procedure set out in Non-Agency Adoptions will apply.
943 </p>
943 </td>
944 </tr>
945 <tr>
946 <td>
946 <h4>
946 7.13
946 </h4>
946 </td>
947 <td>
947 <h4>
947 Inter Agency Placements
947 </h4>
948 <p>
948 The Adoption Service Manager will ensure that consideration is given to all options for
placement which will include referrals to the Regional Consortium and other inter agency
placements (for example through publicity in the specialist or wider press)
948 <span class="category">
948 (details to follow)
948 </span>
948 according to the identified needs of the child. It should be borne in mind that the most
suitable family may be one that has been approved by another agency.
948 </p>
949 <p>
949 Where it is considered that a placement of the child with overseas adopters would be
appropriate, see
949 <a href="#adopt_place_abroad">
949 Section 12, Adoptive Placements Abroad
949 </a>
949 .
949 </p>
949 </td>
950 </tr>
951 <tr>
952 <td>
952 <p>
952 7.14
952 </p>
952 </td>
953 <td>
953 <p>
953 Where recruitment of adopters from another agency has been authorised, the family finder
will undertake the following:
953 </p>
954 <ul>
955 <li>
956 <p>
956 Check that either the parents (for an Accommodated child) and/or the child's social
worker's manager have signed the Consent to Publicity Form and/or the Court's leave has
been granted where Court proceedings are ongoing;
956 </p>
957 </li>
958 <li>
959 <p>
959 Arrange for professional photographs to be taken of the child for publicity purposes;
959 </p>
960 </li>
961 <li>
962 <p>
962 Agree with the child's social worker which publications are to be used for publicity
purposes, and draw up suitable profiles.
962 </p>
963 </li>
964 </ul>
964 </td>
965 </tr>
966 <tr>
967 <td>
967 <p>
967 7.15
967 </p>
967 </td>
968 <td>
968 <p>
968 Other members of the Adoption Service as well as the child's social worker should be made
aware of the dates of the publicity and a response to callers should be agreed.
968 </p>
968 </td>
969 </tr>
970 <tr>
971 <td>
971 <p>
971 7.16
971 </p>
971 </td>
972 <td>
972 <p>
972 Responses from families not yet approved should be dealt with as follows:
972 </p>
973 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
974 <li>
975 <p>
975 Take details of the family;
975 </p>
976 </li>
977 <li>
978 <p>
978 Give limited, anonymised information about the child, in order to help the caller decide
whether this is a situation they wish to pursue;
978 </p>
979 </li>
980 <li>
981 <p>
981 Give general information about the adoption and family finding process, bearing in mind
that the caller has not gone through the assessment and preparation process;
981 </p>
982 </li>
983 <li>
984 <p>
984 Arrange a more appropriate time to hold or continue the discussion, as appropriate;
984 </p>
985 </li>
986 <li>
987 <p>
987 If, on the basis of the discussions held, it is not considered appropriate, having
regard to the needs of the child, to pursue the response, the caller should be advised
of the decision, with reasons, and provided with contact details of other agencies which
may be of help to them.
987 </p>
988 </li>
989 </ol>
989 </td>
990 </tr>
991 <tr>
992 <td>
992 <p>
992 7.17
992 </p>
992 </td>
993 <td>
993 <p>
993 Responses from already approved families should be dealt with as follows:
993 </p>
994 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
995 <li>
996 <p>
996 Take details of the family;
996 </p>
997 </li>
998 <li>
999 <p>
999 Give limited, anonymised information about the child, in order to help the caller decide
whether this is a situation they wish to pursue;
999 </p>
1000 </li>
1001 <li>
1002 <p>
1002 Give general information about how the family finding is being conducted, bearing in
mind that the family's own agency may approach this in a different way;
1002 </p>
1003 </li>
1004 <li>
1005 <p>
1005 If, on the basis of the discussions held, it is not considered appropriate, having
regard to the needs of the child, to pursue the response, the caller should be advised
of the decision, with reasons;
1005 </p>
1006 </li>
1007 <li>
1008 <p>
1008 If the family is considered suitable, their details and the names of their agency and
link worker should be taken. The family should be asked to inform their link worker of
their approach to the borough and that the family finder will contact the link worker;
1008 </p>
1009 </li>
1010 <li>
1011 <p>
1011 The family finder should then contact the family's link worker and share information
about the child and the family. Where it is considered that the match is not
appropriate, the family's link worker should be asked to discuss this with the family
and the family finder need take no further action;
1011 </p>
1012 </li>
1013 <li>
1014 <p>
1014 If it is considered that the link should be pursued, the adoptive family's link worker
and the family finder should agree to exchange the Prospective Adopter's Report and the
Child's Permanence Report, with a follow up discussion after they have been read.
1014 <br />
1015 <br />
1016 The family finder should also forward to the adoptive family's link worker information
about the agency's adoption support;
1016 </p>
1017 </li>
1018 <li>
1019 <p>
1019 The adoptive family's link worker may wish to visit the family to go through the
Child's Permanence Report, and should be asked to indicate as soon as possible whether
or not the family wish to proceed.
1019 </p>
1020 </li>
1021 </ol>
1021 </td>
1022 </tr>
1023 <tr>
1024 <td>
1024 <p>
1024 7.18
1024 </p>
1024 </td>
1025 <td>
1025 <p>
1025 The procedure outlined in
1025 <a href="#para_seven_four">
1025 paragraphs 7.4 to 7.8 above
1025 </a>
1025 will then be followed and the child's social worker and family finder will visit potential
families prior to a Matching Meeting being held.
1025 </p>
1026 <p>
1026 Once a suitable match has been identified, (whether with in-house approved adopters, inter
agency or a foster carer approved as an adopter), the child's social worker, prospective
adopters' link worker and the family finder should prepare an Adoption Placement Report and
a proposed Adoption Support Plan giving details of the family recommended, evaluating how
this family may meet the child's needs and setting out the proposed adoption support
services to be offered to the child, adoptive family and birth family. This will include
including the support to be provided to the prospective adopters to promote the child's
educational achievements and participation in leisure activities; to help the child develop
positive relationships; and to manage any challenging behaviour which the child may display,
The support plan will also include arrangements for contact including how to deal with
unauthorised or unmediated contact through online social networking sites. For further
information, please see
1026 <a href="p_adop_support.html">
1026 Adoption Support Procedure
1026 </a>
1026 .
1026 </p>
1027 <p>
1027 The Adoption Placement Report must be written by a qualified social worker with suitable
experience (see
1027 <a href="p_adop_panel.html">
1027 Adoption Panel Procedure
1027 </a>
1027 ) and must include the prospective adopter's views on the proposed placement, contact
arrangements (including meeting with the birth parents), adoption support and any proposed
restrictions on their exercise of Parental Responsibility after the placement.
1027 </p>
1027 </td>
1028 </tr>
1029 <tr>
1030 <td>
1030 <p>
1030 7.19
1030 </p>
1030 </td>
1031 <td>
1031 <p>
1031 The child's social worker, family finder, the prospective adopters' link worker and their
respective managers should sign both documents.
1031 </p>
1031 </td>
1032 </tr>
1033 <tr>
1034 <td>
1034 <p>
1034 7.20
1034 </p>
1034 </td>
1035 <td>
1035 <p>
1035 The family finder should also contact the Panel Administrator to arrange a date for the
Adoption Panel to consider the proposed placement.
1035 </p>
1035 </td>
1036 </tr>
1037 <tr>
1038 <td>
1038 <p>
1038 7.21
1038 </p>
1038 </td>
1039 <td>
1039 <p>
1039 The child's social worker will keep the parents and child informed of progress (unless the
parent has stated that he or she do not wish to be kept informed).
1039 </p>
1039 </td>
1040 </tr>
1041 <tr>
1042 <td>
1042 <p>
1042 7.22
1042 </p>
1042 </td>
1043 <td>
1043 <p>
1043 The family finder should provide a copy of the Adoption Placement Report to the prospective
adopters and give 10 working days to them to submit any written comments on its contents, or
ask them to sign a disclaimer if they do not require the full 10 working days. A copy of the
signed disclaimer should be held on the child's Adoption Case Record.
1043 </p>
1043 </td>
1044 </tr>
1045 </table>
1046 <h3 id="approval_matching">
1046 8. Approval of Matching of Adoptive Parents
1046 </h3>
1047 <p>
1047 The overall time-scale for matching a child with a prospective adoptive family is:
1047 </p>
1048 <ul>
1049 <li>
1049 The match is to be recommended by the Adoption Panel within 6 months of the agency's formal
approval that the child should be placed for adoption, except in the following cases;
1049 </li>
1050 <li>
1050 Where a parent requests adoption for a child of less than six months of age, the match is to be
recommended by the Adoption Panel within 3 months of the agency's formal approval that the child
should be placed for adoption.
1050 </li>
1051 </ul>
1052 <p>
1052 Where these timescales are not met, the Adoption Panel should record the reasons.
1052 </p>
1053 <table class="borderless" title="section 8 - Approval Of Matching of Adoptive Parents">
1054 <tr>
1055 <td>
1055 <h4>
1055 8.1
1055 </h4>
1055 </td>
1056 <td>
1056 <h4>
1056 Presentation to the Adoption Panel
1056 </h4>
1057 <p>
1057 The family finder must present the following reports to the Adoption Panel:
1057 </p>
1058 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
1059 <li>
1060 <p>
1060 A front sheet stating what is being reported, the reports included, recommendations
sought and who will be attending Adoption Panel;
1060 </p>
1061 </li>
1062 <li>
1063 <p>
1063 The Child's Permanence Report (with an update medical report no more than 6 months old);
1063 </p>
1064 </li>
1065 <li>
1066 <p>
1066 The Prospective Adopter's Report, updated as necessary, on the identified prospective
adopters and a recent medical (in the last 2 years);
1066 </p>
1067 </li>
1068 <li>
1069 <p>
1069 The Adoption Placement Report;
1069 </p>
1070 </li>
1071 <li>
1072 <p>
1072 The proposed Adoption Support Plan;
1072 </p>
1073 </li>
1074 <li>
1075 <p>
1075 The proposals regarding post-placement and post-adoption contact;
1075 </p>
1076 </li>
1077 <li>
1078 <p>
1078 The views of the prospective adopters on the Prospective Adopter's Report and the
proposed contact arrangements.
1078 </p>
1079 </li>
1080 </ol>
1080 </td>
1081 </tr>
1082 <tr>
1083 <td style="width:3%">
1083 <p>
1083 8.2
1083 </p>
1083 </td>
1084 <td>
1084 <p>
1084 The family finder will send the relevant reports to the Panel Administrator at least 10
working days before the date of the Adoption Panel.
1084 </p>
1084 </td>
1085 </tr>
1086 <tr>
1087 <td style="width:3%">
1087 <p>
1087 8.3
1087 </p>
1087 </td>
1088 <td>
1088 <p>
1088 The Panel Administrator will arrange for the Panel minutes in relation to the
recommendations that the child should be placed for adoption and, where in-house approved,
that the prospective adopters are suitable to be adopters, to be circulated to Panel
members, with the reports. Where there is a proposed inter-agency placement, the family
finder will obtain the relevant Panel minutes for circulation.
1088 </p>
1088 </td>
1089 </tr>
1090 <tr>
1091 <td>
1091 <p>
1091 8.4
1091 </p>
1091 </td>
1092 <td>
1092 <p>
1092 The child's social worker, the family finder and the prospective adopters' link worker will
attend the Adoption Panel during consideration of the matter. Where a Children's Guardian
has been appointed, consideration should be given to inviting the Children's Guardian to the
Panel during consideration of this item.
1092 </p>
1092 </td>
1093 </tr>
1094 <tr>
1095 <td>
1095 <p>
1095 8.5
1095 </p>
1095 </td>
1096 <td>
1096 <p>
1096 The Adoption Panel's recommendation as to whether the child should be placed for adoption
with the particular prospective adopters will be recorded in writing, together with reasons,
in the Panel's minutes. The Panel must also consider and may give advice in relation to the
proposed adoption support, the proposed arrangements for contact and any proposed
restrictions on the exercise of Parental Responsibility by the prospective adopters and/or
the birth parents. A copy of the relevant minute must be placed on the child's and the
prospective adopters' Adoption Case Records.
1096 </p>
1096 </td>
1097 </tr>
1098 <tr>
1099 <td>
1099 <p>
1099 8.6
1099 </p>
1099 </td>
1100 <td>
1100 <p>
1100 The prospective adopters' link worker will convey the Panel's recommendation orally to the
prospective adopters within 24 hours.
1100 </p>
1100 </td>
1101 </tr>
1102 <tr>
1103 <td>
1103 <p>
1103 8.7
1103 </p>
1103 </td>
1104 <td>
1104 <p>
1104 After the Panel has considered the reports and made a written recommendation, the minute and
reports considered by the Panel will be sent to the
1104 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
1104 Agency Decision Maker
1104 </a>
1104 who will make a decision based on this information within 7 working days of the Panel
meeting. In urgent cases, for example where the Court timetable requires it, this timescale
should be reduced to 5 working days. The decision will be recorded in writing.
1104 </p>
1105 <p>
1105 If the Panel has given advice in relation to adoption support, proposed contact and/or the
exercise of Parental Responsibility by the prospective adopters and/or the birth parents,
the Agency Decision Maker may express a view on such advice.
1105 </p>
1106 <p>
1106 Where the Agency Decision Maker is minded to disagree with the Panel recommendation, he/she
must first discuss the case with another senior officer with relevant experience, who must
not be a Panel member. This discussion must be recorded and placed on the child's and the
prospective adopter's Adoption Case Record.
1106 </p>
1106 </td>
1107 </tr>
1108 <tr>
1109 <td>
1109 <p>
1109 8.8
1109 </p>
1109 </td>
1110 <td>
1110 <p>
1110 The child's social worker will convey the decision orally to the parents within 2 working
days.
1110 </p>
1110 </td>
1111 </tr>
1112 <tr>
1113 <td>
1113 <p>
1113 8.9
1113 </p>
1113 </td>
1114 <td>
1114 <p>
1114 The prospective adopters' link worker will convey the decision orally to the prospective
adopters within 2 working days.
1114 </p>
1114 </td>
1115 </tr>
1116 <tr>
1117 <td>
1117 <p>
1117 8.10
1117 </p>
1117 </td>
1118 <td>
1118 <p>
1118 The Panel Administrator will prepare written notification of the decision to be signed by
the Agency Decision Maker and once signed, sent to the child's social worker for sending by
recorded or hand delivery to the parents within 5 working days.
1118 </p>
1118 </td>
1119 </tr>
1120 <tr>
1121 <td>
1121 <p>
1121 8.11
1121 </p>
1121 </td>
1122 <td>
1122 <p>
1122 The Panel Administrator will send the written notification, signed by the Agency Decision
Maker, to the prospective adopters' link worker for sending to the adopters within 5 working
days. Copies of this letter will also be sent to the family finder and the child's social
worker.
1122 </p>
1122 </td>
1123 </tr>
1124 </table>
1125 <h3 id="plan_place">
1125 9. Planning the Placement
1125 </h3>
1126 <table class="borderless" title="section 9 - Planning the Placement">
1127 <tr>
1128 <td>
1128 <p>
1128 9.1
1128 </p>
1128 </td>
1129 <td>
1129 <p>
1129 Once the matching has been approved and the legal position allows it, the family finder will
convene a Placement Planning Meeting to draw up an Adoption Placement Plan, confirming the
details of the introductions, placement and post-placement work. The Adoption Service
Manager or his/her nominee will chair the meeting.
1129 </p>
1129 </td>
1130 </tr>
1131 <tr>
1132 <td style="width:3%">
1132 <p>
1132 9.2
1132 </p>
1132 </td>
1133 <td>
1133 <p>
1133 For inter agency placements, a separate meeting will also be required, involving the
Adoption Service Manager or his/her nominee, to complete CoramBAAF Form H1 which details the
contract between the agencies and the adoptive family in relation to the placement.
1133 </p>
1133 </td>
1134 </tr>
1135 <tr>
1136 <td style="width:3%">
1136 <p>
1136 9.3
1136 </p>
1136 </td>
1137 <td>
1137 <p>
1137 The purpose of the first Placement Planning Meeting is to draw up a proposed Adoption
Placement Plan. The Adoption Placement Plan should include:
1137 </p>
1138 <ul>
1139 <li>
1140 <p>
1140 Whether the placement is to be made under a Placement Order or with parental consent;
1140 </p>
1141 </li>
1142 <li>
1143 <p>
1143 The arrangements for preparing the child and the prospective adopter for the placement
(see below);
1143 </p>
1144 </li>
1145 <li>
1146 <p>
1146 The proposed date of the placement, who will be present when the placement takes place;
1146 </p>
1147 </li>
1148 <li>
1149 <p>
1149 The Adoption Support Plan including the support to be provided to the prospective
adopters to promote the child's educational achievements and participation in leisure
activities; to help the child develop positive relationships; and to manage any
challenging behaviour which the child may display;
1149 </p>
1150 </li>
1151 <li>
1152 <p>
1152 Whether and to what extent, the exercise of Parental Responsibility by the prospective
adopters and/or the birth parents is to be restricted, including the delegation of
decision making to the prospective adopters about the child's health needs and under
what circumstances consent to medical treatment needs to be obtained;
1152 </p>
1153 </li>
1154 <li>
1155 <p>
1155 The arrangements for the monitoring and supervision of the placement (including contact
details of key support staff during office hours and out of hours);
1155 </p>
1156 </li>
1157 <li>
1158 <p>
1158 The dates on which the life story book and any Later Life letters will be passed to the
prospective adopters (usually within 10 working days of the adoption ceremony, i.e. the
ceremony to celebrate the making of the adoption order);
1158 </p>
1159 </li>
1160 <li>
1161 <p>
1161 The date and arrangements for the first Adoption Review;
1161 </p>
1162 </li>
1163 <li>
1164 <p>
1164 Any post-placement contact between the child and members of his or her birth family
and/or the child and the foster carers; and
1164 </p>
1165 </li>
1166 <li>
1167 <p>
1167 Clarification of who will make the necessary notifications of the placement (see
1167 <a href="#the_placement">
1167 Section 10, The Placement
1167 </a>
1167 ).
1167 </p>
1168 </li>
1169 </ul>
1170 <p>
1170 It will also set out the steps required leading up to the child's placement with the
prospective adopters, including the first meeting between the child and the prospective
adoptive family, the programme of and detailed arrangements for their introductions (dates,
times, venues, transport and accommodation), the reimbursement of any expenses of the
introductions, any other financial assistance to enable the placement to occur and, where
appropriate, a meeting between the parents and the prospective adopters.
1170 </p>
1171 <p>
1171 As part of the preparation of the child for the adoptive placement, information will be
provided to ensure that s/he has a proper understanding about the accommodation and others
living at the prospective adoptive home, the contact arrangements with the birth family and
how to contact his or her social worker.
1171 </p>
1171 </td>
1172 </tr>
1173 <tr>
1174 <td>
1174 <p>
1174 9.4
1174 </p>
1174 </td>
1175 <td>
1175 <p>
1175 The Adoption Placement Plan will also address when the prospective adopters will be supplied
with all relevant written information about the child and who will provide it (for a full
list of information to be supplied - see
1175 <a href="#the_placement">
1175 Section 10, The Placement
1175 </a>
1175 ).
1175 </p>
1175 </td>
1176 </tr>
1177 <tr>
1178 <td>
1178 <p>
1178 9.5
1178 </p>
1178 </td>
1179 <td>
1179 <p>
1179 The child's social worker must ascertain the child's views and report these to the meetings.
1179 </p>
1179 </td>
1180 </tr>
1181 <tr>
1182 <td>
1182 <p>
1182 9.6
1182 </p>
1182 </td>
1183 <td>
1183 <p>
1183 Those attending Placement Planning Meetings will be the child's social worker, his/her
manager as appropriate, the foster carers, the foster carers' supervising social worker, the
family finder, representatives of the health trust (where appropriate), the prospective
adopters and their link worker, and any other worker engaged in direct work with the child.
1183 </p>
1183 </td>
1184 </tr>
1185 <tr>
1186 <td>
1186 <p>
1186 9.7
1186 </p>
1186 </td>
1187 <td>
1187 <p>
1187 The child's first meeting with the prospective adopters should be on the child's familiar
territory (unless the child is older and requests otherwise) and a social worker should be
present. The pattern of introductory visits thereafter will depend on the child's age, needs
and stage of development but consideration will be given to a gradual introductory programme
involving visits increasing in length, progressing to an overnight stay, a weekend stay and
in exceptional circumstances with an older child, a longer period prior to the final move.
1187 </p>
1187 </td>
1188 </tr>
1189 <tr>
1190 <td>
1190 <p>
1190 9.8
1190 </p>
1190 </td>
1191 <td>
1191 <p>
1191 The family finder will be responsible for coordinating Placement Planning Meetings. However,
all workers involved must be clear about their respective roles and responsibilities in the
implementation of the plan, and what should happen in the event of difficulties. Changes to
the Adoption Placement Plan can only be made with the agreement of the family finder or the
Chair of the meeting and must be notified to the prospective adopters in writing.
1191 </p>
1192 <p>
1192 The child's social worker is expected to be in regular and frequent contact with the child,
foster carer and prospective adopter during the period of the introductions and all involved
share information with each other on a regular basis, at the frequency identified at the
Placement Planning Meetings. The Adoption Placement Plan will then be reviewed at an agreed
date - see paragraph 9.10 below. The Plan will identify the named workers and when they will
have contact with the child.
1192 </p>
1192 </td>
1193 </tr>
1194 <tr>
1195 <td>
1195 <p>
1195 9.9
1195 </p>
1195 </td>
1196 <td>
1196 <p>
1196 The child's social worker will advise the parents of the plan whilst maintaining the
confidentiality of the placement (unless the parent has stated that he or she does not wish
to be kept informed.)
1196 </p>
1196 </td>
1197 </tr>
1198 <tr>
1199 <td>
1199 <p>
1199 9.10
1199 </p>
1199 </td>
1200 <td>
1200 <p>
1200 At the mid-point of the introductions, a second Placement Planning Meeting will be held, at
which the following areas will be addressed:
1200 </p>
1201 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
1202 <li>
1203 <p>
1203 The progress of the introductions - has the necessary action identified at the previous
meeting been taken, and the plan been followed? - If not, why not?
1203 </p>
1204 </li>
1205 <li>
1206 <p>
1206 The views of each participant as to the above;
1206 </p>
1207 </li>
1208 <li>
1209 <p>
1209 The identification of the positives;
1209 </p>
1210 </li>
1211 <li>
1212 <p>
1212 The identification of any difficulties;
1212 </p>
1213 </li>
1214 <li>
1215 <p>
1215 The development of the next stage of the plan;
1215 </p>
1216 </li>
1217 <li>
1218 <p>
1218 The finalisation of the arrangements for the placement.
1218 </p>
1219 </li>
1220 </ol>
1220 </td>
1221 </tr>
1222 <tr>
1223 <td>
1223 <p>
1223 9.11
1223 </p>
1223 </td>
1224 <td>
1224 <p>
1224 A further meeting can be called by any of the parties if issues of concern arise.
1224 </p>
1224 </td>
1225 </tr>
1226 <tr>
1227 <td>
1227 <p>
1227 9.12
1227 </p>
1227 </td>
1228 <td>
1228 <p>
1228 All Placement Planning Meetings should have the same people invited and take place at a
venue accessible to all parties.
1228 </p>
1228 </td>
1229 </tr>
1230 <tr>
1231 <td>
1231 <p>
1231 9.13
1231 </p>
1231 </td>
1232 <td>
1232 <p>
1232 Where the child is to be adopted by his or her foster carers, whilst there will be no need
for a plan for introductions, the social worker should still convene a Placement Planning
Meeting, in order to draw up the Adoption Placement Plan to cover the areas other than
introductions as set out above and to specify the date when the placement is to be regarded
as an adoptive placement.
1232 </p>
1232 </td>
1233 </tr>
1234 <tr>
1235 <td>
1235 <p>
1235 9.14
1235 </p>
1235 </td>
1236 <td>
1236 <p>
1236 A copy of the final Adoption Placement Plan, signed by the child's social worker, should be
given to the prospective adopters, their link worker and the child's Independent Reviewing
Officer. The prospective adopters must confirm in writing that they wish the placement to
proceed and that they agree to the Adoption Placement Plan. A copy must be retained on the
child's Adoption Case Record.
1236 </p>
1236 </td>
1237 </tr>
1238 <tr>
1239 <td>
1239 <p>
1239 9.15
1239 </p>
1239 </td>
1240 <td>
1240 <p>
1240 Where contact is part of the adoption plan, the proposals must be drawn up in written
agreements to be signed by the birth parents and the prospective adoptive parents. The
agreements must specify the form and timing of the contact and the arrangements for putting
the contact in place. The agreements must also specify that the arrangements may change
dependent upon the wishes of the child. The agreement should also include how the
prospective adopters should deal with unauthorised or unmediated contact through online
social networking sites. All parties must sign and retain copies of the agreement. The
parent's copy should not reveal any identifying information about the placement. See also
1240 <a href="#post_place">
1240 Section 6, Post-placement Contact
1240 </a>
1240 .
1240 </p>
1240 </td>
1241 </tr>
1242 <tr>
1243 <td>
1243 <p>
1243 9.16
1243 </p>
1243 </td>
1244 <td>
1244 <p>
1244 If the Adoption Placement Plan is varied or terminated, the child must be informed in a
timely and age appropriate way.
1244 </p>
1244 </td>
1245 </tr>
1246 <tr>
1247 <td>
1247 <p>
1247 9.17
1247 </p>
1247 </td>
1248 <td>
1248 <p>
1248 Where the Adoption Placement Plan is terminated, the parents must be informed (unless the
parent has stated that he or she does not wish to be kept informed.)
1248 </p>
1248 </td>
1249 </tr>
1250 <tr>
1251 <td>
1251 <p>
1251 9.18
1251 </p>
1251 </td>
1252 <td>
1252 <p>
1252 If the Adoption Placement Plan is terminated, the Adoption Service Manager should consider
the best way to conduct a disruption meeting - see
1252 <a href="p_disrup_adopt_plac.html">
1252 Disruption of Adoptive Placements Procedure
1252 </a>
1252 .
1252 </p>
1252 </td>
1253 </tr>
1254 <tr>
1255 <td>
1255 <p>
1255 9.19
1255 </p>
1255 </td>
1256 <td>
1256 <p>
1256 In the event of the placement's termination, direct work will be undertaken with the child
to make sense of the reasons why the placement broke down and to prepare the child for any
future placement.
1256 </p>
1256 </td>
1257 </tr>
1258 <tr>
1259 <td>
1259 <p>
1259 9.20
1259 </p>
1259 </td>
1260 <td>
1260 <p>
1260 In this event, the child's social worker and family finder must re-start the process of
identifying a suitable prospective adoptive family or amend the plan for the child
(depending on the outcome of the Disruption Meeting).
1260 </p>
1260 </td>
1261 </tr>
1262 </table>
1263 <h3 id="the_placement">
1263 10. The Placement
1263 </h3>
1264 <table class="borderless" title="section 10 - The Placement">
1265 <caption class="hide">
1265 CAPTION: Section 10 the Placement
1265 </caption>
1266 <tr class="hide">
1267 <th scope="col">
1267
1267 </th>
1268 <th scope="col">
1268
1268 </th>
1269 </tr>
1271 <tr>
1272 <td>
1272 <p>
1272 10.1
1272 </p>
1272 </td>
1273 <td>
1273 <p>
1273 Once the matching of the child has been approved, the adoption agency has authority to place
the child (either through a Placement Order or Parental Consent), the plan of introductions
has been successfully completed and the Adoption Placement Plan has been completed and
signed by all parties, the placement can go ahead. A social worker must be present when the
placement takes place.
1273 </p>
1273 </td>
1274 </tr>
1275 <tr>
1276 <td style="width:3%">
1276 <p>
1276 10.2
1276 </p>
1276 </td>
1277 <td>
1277 <p>
1277 Prior to the placement, the child's social worker must ensure that all the following
information/items have been provided to the prospective adopters:
1277 </p>
1278 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
1279 <li>
1280 <p>
1280 Authority to consent to medical and dental treatment;
1280 </p>
1281 </li>
1282 <li>
1283 <p>
1283 The parent-held Child Health Record;
1283 </p>
1284 </li>
1285 <li>
1286 <p>
1286 Any letters, photographs or mementos from the birth family, including a 'Later in
Life' letter from the birth parent if possible, and the Life Story Book;
1286 </p>
1287 </li>
1288 <li>
1289 <p>
1289 The child's birth certificate;
1289 </p>
1290 </li>
1291 <li>
1292 <p>
1292 The child's passport (if applicable);
1292 </p>
1293 </li>
1294 <li>
1295 <p>
1295 A copy of the Care Order (if applicable), Placement Order (if applicable) and any other
Court Orders that exist;
1295 </p>
1296 </li>
1297 <li>
1298 <p>
1298 A copy of the Parental Consent to the Placement and Advance Consent to Adoption (if
applicable);
1298 </p>
1299 </li>
1300 <li>
1301 <p>
1301 A written plan of the contact arrangements pre and post adoption with the birth parents
and any previous carers;
1301 </p>
1302 </li>
1303 <li>
1304 <p>
1304 The Adoption Support Plan, including a named post-adoption social worker;
1304 </p>
1305 </li>
1306 <li>
1307 <p>
1307 The Adoption Placement Plan including arrangements for support and visits by the
child's social worker and their own social worker;
1307 </p>
1308 </li>
1309 <li>
1310 <p>
1310 Any other relevant information, including specialist reports (subject to the author's
consent).
1310 </p>
1311 </li>
1312 </ol>
1313 <p>
1313 The prospective adopters should be asked to sign confirmation of receipt. Where the
information/items are provided at different times, the prospective adopters must sign and
date confirmation of receipt on each occasion.
1313 </p>
1313 </td>
1314 </tr>
1315 <tr>
1316 <td>
1316 <p>
1316 10.3
1316 </p>
1316 </td>
1317 <td>
1317 <p>
1317 Prior to the placement, notification must be sent by the worker identified in the Adoption
Placement Plan to the present and new GP, the local authority (where the adoptive family
live outside the borough), the relevant Health Trust and, if the child is at nursery or of
school age, the relevant local education authority (with information about the child's
education history and whether the child has special needs). These notifications are still
required where the prospective adopters were previously the child's foster carers.
1317 </p>
1317 </td>
1318 </tr>
1319 <tr>
1320 <td>
1320 <p>
1320 10.4
1320 </p>
1320 </td>
1321 <td>
1321 <p>
1321 Prior to the placement, the Medical Adviser should be requested to send a medical report on
the child to the child's new GP and, in appropriate cases, to meet the adopters to discuss
medical issues.
1321 </p>
1321 </td>
1322 </tr>
1323 <tr>
1324 <td>
1324 <p>
1324 10.5
1324 </p>
1324 </td>
1325 <td>
1325 <p>
1325 Where the child's foster carers are the prospective adopters, the adoption service must
confirm in writing to them the date from which the placement becomes an adoptive placement.
1325 </p>
1325 </td>
1326 </tr>
1327 <tr>
1328 <td>
1328 <p>
1328 10.6
1328 </p>
1328 </td>
1329 <td>
1329 <p>
1329 The child's social worker must inform the parents of the date of the placement, unless the
parents have stated that they do not wish to be kept informed. No identifying information
about the placement should be conveyed to birth parents or relatives. (See
1329 <a href="#procedural">
1329 Section 4.2, Procedural Fairness
1329 </a>
1329 ).
1329 </p>
1329 </td>
1330 </tr>
1331 <tr>
1332 <td>
1332 <p>
1332 10.7
1332 </p>
1332 </td>
1333 <td>
1333 <p>
1333 The child's social worker should ensure the date of the placement is recorded, so that the
records identifies that the child is placed for adoption but does not show the placement
address.
1333 </p>
1333 </td>
1334 </tr>
1335 <tr>
1336 <td>
1336 <p>
1336 10.8
1336 </p>
1336 </td>
1337 <td>
1337 <p>
1337 The family finder will inform the Panel Administrator of the date of the placement as soon
as it is made and inform the relevant finance officer where the Adoption Support Plan
includes financial support so that payments can start.
1337 </p>
1337 </td>
1338 </tr>
1339 </table>
1340 <h3 id="chi_adop_place">
1340 11. Children Approved for Adoption for Whom no Placement has been Identified
1340 </h3>
1341 <table class="borderless" title="section 11 - Children approved">
1342 <caption class="hide">
1342 CAPTION: Section 11 children approved
1342 </caption>
1343 <tr class="hide">
1344 <th scope="col">
1344
1344 </th>
1345 <th scope="col">
1345
1345 </th>
1346 </tr>
1348 <tr>
1349 <td>
1349 <p>
1349 11.1
1349 </p>
1349 </td>
1350 <td>
1350 <p>
1350 The child will be the subject of regular Adoption Reviews, chaired by an Independent
Reviewing Officer - see
1350 <a href="p_adoption_reviews.html">
1350 Adoption Reviews Procedure
1350 </a>
1350 .
1350 </p>
1350 </td>
1351 </tr>
1352 <tr>
1353 <td style="width:3%">
1353 <p>
1353 11.2
1353 </p>
1353 </td>
1354 <td>
1354 <p>
1354 In all cases, where a child has been approved for adoption but not placed within 6 months,
the child's social worker must present a further report to the Adoption Panel identifying
the length of the delay, the reasons and the steps being taken to address any difficulties,
including consideration of a review of the adoption plan and/or a possible change to
long-term fostering/separation of siblings.
1354 </p>
1354 </td>
1355 </tr>
1356 <tr>
1357 <td>
1357 <p>
1357 11.3
1357 </p>
1357 </td>
1358 <td>
1358 <p>
1358 The Adoption Panel may request an earlier progress report on an individual case when first
considering the child.
1358 </p>
1358 </td>
1359 </tr>
1360 <tr>
1361 <td>
1361 <p>
1361 11.4
1361 </p>
1361 </td>
1362 <td>
1362 <p>
1362 The outcome of any reviews by the Adoption Panel should be notified to the child (if old
enough), the birth parents (in appropriate cases) and any other relevant person.
1362 </p>
1363 <p>
1363 Local matching procedures if no immediate matching arrangements are identified
1363 <span class="category">
1363 (details to follow)
1363 </span>
1363 .
1363 </p>
1363 </td>
1364 </tr>
1365 </table>
1366 <h3 id="adopt_place_abroad">
1366 12. Adoptive Placements Abroad
1366 </h3>
1367 <p>
1367 Where an adoptive placement outside the UK appears to be a viable option, and consultation with
the child (if old enough) supports this, the proposal must be considered at a child's Looked After
Review before becoming part of the child's Care Plan.
1367 </p>
1368 <p>
1368 The child may be considered for an adoptive placement with known prospective adopters in which
case it will be for the adoption agency to satisfy itself that the prospective adopters are
suitable to adopt the child. Otherwise, the child may be referred to the Department for Education
for a suitable linking to be identified, (see below).
1368 </p>
1369 <p>
1369 In either circumstance, the case must be referred to the Adoption Panel in accordance with Section
1 of this procedure, seeking a formal recommendation that adoption outside the UK is in the best
interests of the child. The Child's Permanence Report must include an assessment of the
possibility of placing the child for adoption in the British Isles and consideration of whether
adoption of the child by a person in a particular country would be in the best interests of the
child.
1369 </p>
1370 <p>
1370 The
1370 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
1370 Agency Decision Maker
1370 </a>
1370 must consider the recommendation and decide whether the child should be placed for adoption
overseas. The notification to the child (if old enough) and the parents must include an
explanation of the placement possibilities in the British Isles and abroad.
1370 </p>
1371 <p>
1371 Where a decision is made to pursue the option of placement overseas, the child's social worker
should consult with Legal Services about the legal process, and seek the approval of the
1371 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
1371 Designated Manager (Placement Orders)
1371 </a>
1371 to an application for a Placement Order.
1371 </p>
1372 <h4>
1372 Where no Prospective Adopters have been Identified
1373 </h4>
1374 <p>
1374 Where such a decision is made to place the child overseas, the child's social worker must notify
the Department for Education of the following:
1374 </p>
1375 <ol>
1376 <li>
1376 The child's file reference number;
1376 </li>
1377 <li>
1377 The child's name;
1377 </li>
1378 <li>
1378 The child's date of birth;
1378 </li>
1379 <li>
1379 The gender of the child;
1379 </li>
1380 <li>
1380 The reasons why the decision has been made that adoption outside the UK may be suitable for the
child;
1380 </li>
1381 <li>
1381 The date of any Placement Order.
1381 </li>
1382 </ol>
1383 <p>
1383 The Department for Education maintains a list of children waiting for inter country adoption.
1383 </p>
1384 <p>
1384 If a decision is made after the child's name is placed on the list that an overseas adoptive
placement is no longer appropriate, the child's social worker must inform the Department for
Education so that the child's details are removed from the list.
1384 </p>
1385 <p>
1385 Where the Department for Education receive an application from a foreign country, it will check
that the prospective adopters have been assessed as eligible and suitable, and that they meet the
age requirement of the UK law, and if so, consider whether there are children of the age and
gender to match the prospective adopters' approval.
1385 </p>
1386 <p>
1386 Where there are children on the list who appear, on the face of it, to match the prospective
adopters, the Department for Education will send the relevant papers on the prospective adopters
to the local authority looking after the child.
1386 </p>
1387 <p>
1387 Upon receipt of the papers, the child's social worker in conjunction with the Adoption Service
will consider whether the prospective adopters would meet the child's needs. Where necessary,
additional information should be requested from the overseas authority via the Department for
Education.
1387 </p>
1388 <p>
1388 Where it is decided that the prospective adopters are not suitable, the Department for Education
should be notified and the papers returned.
1388 </p>
1389 <p>
1389 Where it is decided that the prospective adopters are suitable, the Department for Education
should be notified and the proposed match referred to the Adoption Panel for consideration in
accordance with the usual procedure. Included in the papers to be presented to the Panel must be
the report on the prospective adopters by the foreign authority.
1389 </p>
1390 <p>
1390 The child's social worker must notify the Department for Education of the decision made.
1390 </p>
1391 <p>
1391 Where the decision is to proceed with the placement, the child's social worker must send the
Child's Permanence Report, together with any Placement Order and a recent photograph of the child,
to the Department for Education for onward transmission to the overseas authority and the
prospective adopters.
1391 </p>
1392 <p>
1392 Where the prospective adopters decide to go ahead with the placement, they will be required to
travel to meet the child.
1392 </p>
1393 <p>
1393 The matching procedures will then apply as for any other potential placement.
1393 </p>
1394 <p>
1394 Placement Planning Meetings should be convened in accordance with the usual procedure (see
1394 <a href="#plan_place">
1394 Section 9, Planning the Placement
1394 </a>
1394 ) to plan the prospective adopters' first meeting with the child, introductions and where the
placement goes ahead, regular reports should be required from the relevant overseas authority
after the placement.
1394 </p>
1395 <p>
1395 If the prospective adopters still wish to go ahead and the Placement Planning Meeting confirms
that the placement meets the child's needs, the child's social worker must inform the Department
for Education, who will contact the overseas authority to confirm that they are content for the
placement to go ahead and that the child will be permitted to enter and reside permanently. In
these circumstances, the Department for Education will enter the necessary agreement with the
overseas authority.
1395 </p>
1396 <p>
1396 The child's social worker can then arrange for the placement to go ahead.
1396 </p>
1397 <p>
1397 The prospective adopters will need to seek independent legal advice about the need to apply for a
Convention Adoption Order in the UK (which will require the child to be with the adopters for at
least 6 months prior to the application) or a Section 84 Order from the High Court granting them
Parental Responsibility to take the child outside the UK for the purposes of adoption (which will
require the child to be with the adopters for at least 10 weeks prior to the application). In
either case, the Court will require a social worker's report.
1397 </p>
1398 <p>
1398 The prospective adopters will need to arrange for the foreign authority to monitor the placement
as required by the Placement Planning Meeting.
1398 </p>
1399 <h4>
1399 Where Prospective Adopters have been identified
1400 </h4>
1401 <p>
1401 It will be for the adoption agency to satisfy itself that the prospective adopters are suitable to
adopt the child. The assessment should usually be carried out in the prospective adopters' country
and then sent to the adoption agency in the same way as for any other prospective adopter.
1401 </p>
1402 <p>
1402 The matching procedures will then apply as for any other potential placement.
1402 </p>
1403 <p>
1403 Placement Planning Meetings should be convened in accordance with the usual placement procedures
(see
1403 <a href="#plan_place">
1403 Section 9, Planning the Placement
1403 </a>
1403 ) to plan the prospective adopters' first meeting with the child, introductions and where the
placement goes ahead, regular reports should be required from the relevant overseas authority
after the placement.
1403 </p>
1404 <p>
1404 The prospective adopters will need to seek independent legal advice about the need to apply for a
Section 84 Order from the High Court granting them parental responsibility to take the child
outside the UK for the purposes of adoption (which will require the child to be with the adopters
for at least 10 weeks prior to the application). Where such an application is made, the Court will
require a social worker's report.
1404 </p>
1405 <p>
1405 The child's social worker will need to arrange for the foreign authority to monitor the placement
as required by the Placement Planning Meeting.
1405 </p>
1406 <h3 id="info">
1406 13. Further Information
1406 </h3>
1407 <p>
1407 See
1407 <a href="http://contact.rip.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
1407 Research in Practice, Contact after adoption.
1407 </a>
1407 </p>
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