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143 <h1 class="h1_chaptertitle">
143 Adoption Support
143 </h1>
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156 <h2 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
156 RELEVANT GUIDANCE
156 </h2>
157 <p>
157 <a
href="http://www.first4adoption.org.uk/adoption-support/support-services-advice/the-adoption-pas
sport/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
157 The Adoption Passport: A Support Guide for Adopters
157 </a>
157 </p>
158 <p>
158 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/adoption-support-fund-asf" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
158 Adoption Support Fund
158 </a>
158 </p>
159 <p>
159 <span class="bold">
159 Note
159 </span>
159 : Milton Keynes is part of a regional adoption agency please see
159 
W885 [WCAG21 1.1.1/2.4.4/2.4.9 (A/AAA)] Do not use the URL as link text:
Describe the purpose of a link by providing descriptive text as the content of the <a> element, or provide an 'aria-label' or 'aria-labelledby' attribute. The description lets a user distinguish this link from other links in the Web page and helps the user determine whether to follow the link. The URL of the destination is generally not sufficiently descriptive. See WCAG 2.1 HTML Technique H30. <a href="https://www.adoptionconnects.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
159 https://www.adoptionconnects.co.uk/
159 </a>
159 for information.
159 </p>
160 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
160 AMENDMENT
160 </h3>
161 <p>
161 This chapter was updated in March 2019 in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and
revised statutory guidance which require schools, through the Designated Teacher for Looked
After Children, to offer support to previously looked after children.
161 </p>
162 <p>
162 A previously looked-after child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales
because subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes
arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any
person, or has been adopted from ‘state care’ outside England and Wales).
162 </p>
163 </div>
164 <h2 class="h2_mainheading">
164 <br />
165 Contents
165 </h2>
166 <ol>
167 <li>
167 <a href="#what_adop_support">
167 What is Adoption Support?
167 </a>
167 </li>
168 <li>
168 <a href="#duty_to_provide">
168 Duty to Provide Information Concerning Adoption Support
168 </a>
168 </li>
169 <li>
169 <a href="#examples_adop_support">
169 Examples of Adoption Support
169 </a>
169 </li>
170 <li>
170 <a href="#when_to_assess">
170 When to Assess the Need for Adoption Support
170 </a>
170 </li>
171 <li>
171 <a href="#which_local">
171 Which Local Authority Should Carry out the Assessment?
171 </a>
171 </li>
172 <li>
172 <a href="#which_local_auth">
172 Which Local Authority Should Provide the Support?
172 </a>
172 </li>
173 <li>
173 <a href="#process_assess">
173 Process of Assessment for Adoption Support
173 </a>
173 </li>
174 <li>
174 <a href="#adop_aupport">
174 The Adoption Support Plan
174 </a>
174 </li>
175 <li>
175 <a href="#financial_support">
175 Financial Support
175 </a>
175 </li>
176 </ol>
177 <h2 class="h2_mainheading">
177 <br />
178 1.
178 <a name="what_adop_support" id="what_adop_support">
178 </a>
178 What is Adoption Support?
178 </h2>
179 <p>
179 Adoption Support includes any support likely to be required for an adoptive placement to endure
through to adulthood and is applicable to both existing and new situations.
179 </p>
180 <p>
180 Local authorities must make arrangements, as part of their adoption service, for the provision of
a range of adoption support services.
180 </p>
181 <p>
181 Local authorities do not have to provide the services themselves but must have made arrangements
for services to be provided by voluntary or other agencies such as Health or Education.
181 </p>
182 <h2 class="h2_mainheading">
182 <br />
183 2.
183 <a name="duty_to_provide" id="duty_to_provide">
183 </a>
183 Duty to Provide Information Concerning Adoption Support
183 </h2>
184 <p>
184 Under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (as amended by the Children and Families Act 2014), the
local authority has a duty to provide information on adoption support services to:
184 </p>
185 <ul>
186 <li>
186 Anyone contacting the authority to request information about adopting a child;
186 </li>
187 <li>
187 Anyone informing the authority that (s)he wishes to adopt a child;
187 </li>
188 <li>
188 Any parent of an adopted child within the authority’s area who requests the information;
188 </li>
189 <li>
189 Any parent of an adopted child within the authority’s area of whom the authority is/becomes
aware (e.g. where a parent rings about an SEN assessment and it becomes clear that the child is
adopted).
189 </li>
190 </ul>
191 <p>
191 Information must be provided about:
191 </p>
192 <ul>
193 <li>
193 The full range of adoption support services available in the local authority area. This
includes, but is not limited to, therapeutic services, assistance in relation to contact
arrangements, and financial support;
193 </li>
194 <li>
194 The right to request an assessment for adoption support services (at any time);
194 </li>
195 <li>
195 The address and telephone number of the authority’s Adoption Support Services Adviser;
195 </li>
196 <li>
196 The availability of assessments for adoption support services for persons outside the local
authority area, so that parents understand which local authority is responsible for assessing
their support needs;
196 </li>
197 <li>
197 Contact details for
197 <a href="http://www.first4adoption.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
197 first4adoption
197 </a>
197 and the local the web-based information service which provides information about adoption;
197 </li>
198 <li>
198 Priority school admissions (where relevant). Details can be found at
198 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-admissions-code--2"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
198 School Admission of Children Adopted from Local Authority Care, GOV.UK website
198 </a>
198 ;
198 </li>
199 <li>
199 Priority council housing and Discretionary Housing Payments;
199 </li>
200 <li>
200 The entitlement to early education from the age of 2 years (since September 2014);
200 </li>
201 <li>
201 How to make a complaint, both under the local authority complaints procedure and to the Local
Government and Social Care Ombudsman;
201 </li>
202 <li>
202 Any other relevant services provided by the local authority;
202 </li>
203 <li>
203 Any other information that the local authority considers relevant.
203 </li>
204 </ul>
205 <p>
205 The following information must also be provided to potential and prospective adopters:
205 </p>
206 <ul>
207 <li>
207 Details of where to find information about adoption pay and leave. Details can be found at
207 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/adoption-pay-leave" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
207 Adoption Pay and Leave (GOV.UK website)
207 </a>
207 ;
207 </li>
208 <li>
208 Information about the right to receive a copy of the child’s permanence report, including a
summary of the medical adviser’s report on the health of the child, before the child is placed
with them for adoption;
208 </li>
209 <li>
209 The entitlement to a life story book. This should include who provides the life story book, what
it includes and what it can be used for.
209 </li>
210 </ul>
211 <p>
211 When a person requests information about a specific service, the local authority must ask whether
they would like any of the other information as well.
211 </p>
212 <p>
212 Information does
212 <span class="bold">
212 not
212 </span>
212 need to be provided where:
212 </p>
213 <ul>
214 <li>
214 The local authority has provided all the necessary information in the last 12 months and none of
the information has changed substantively;
214 </li>
215 <li>
215 A person has informed the local authority that they do not wish to receive the information
(unless the authority considers it appropriate to do so);
215 </li>
216 <li>
216 Where the information has already been sent, e.g. where the same person requests the information
a number of times in a short period.
216 </li>
217 </ul>
218 If the local authority refuses a person’s request for information, it should give reasons for the
refusal and signpost the person to the website that holds the information.
220 <h2 class="h2_mainheading">
220 <br />
220 3.
220 <a name="examples_adop_support" id="examples_adop_support">
220 </a>
220 Examples of Adoption Support
220 </h2>
221 <p>
221 See also
221 <a href="http://www.first4adoption.org.uk/being-an-adoptive-parent/the-adoption-passport/"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
221 The Adoption Passport: A Support Guide for Adopters
221 </a>
221 </p>
222 <p>
222 Adoption support is defined as including:
222 </p>
223 <ol>
224 <li>
224 Financial support to adopters. This can include paid adoption leave at similar rates to
maternity and paternity leave;
224 </li>
225 <li>
225 Priority access to social housing, and access to additional support to cover a spare room whilst
adopters wait for their child to arrive in their new home;
225 </li>
226 <li>
226 Priority admission for school places, including academies and free schools;
226 </li>
227 <li>
227 The role of the designated teacher in offering support to previously looked after children and
to their new school (see
227 <a href="p_educ_lac.html">
227 Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children Procedure
227 </a>
227 );
227 </li>
228 <li>
228 Services to enable groups of adoptive children, adoptive parents and birth parents to discuss
matters relating to adoption;
228 </li>
229 <li>
229 Assistance, including mediation, with contact arrangements between adopted children and their
birth parents or others with whom they share a significant relationship;
229 </li>
230 <li>
230 Therapeutic services for adopted children;
230 </li>
231 <li>
231 Assistance to adoptive parents and children to support the adoptive placement and enable it to
continue, including respite care;
231 </li>
232 <li>
232 Assistance to adoptive parents and children where a placement disrupts or is at risk of
disruption;
232 </li>
233 <li>
233 A range of adoption support services, including access to counselling, information and advice
for both adoptive parents and their children, who may have complex needs;
233 </li>
234 <li>
234 Assistance with cross boundary matters;
234 </li>
235 <li>
235 Intermediary Services - see
235 <a href="p_intermed_serv.html">
235 Intermediary Services Procedure
235 </a>
235 .
235 </li>
236 </ol>
237 <p>
237 Support provided under 4) to 8) above may include cash assistance, for example to pay for a
babysitter, although this would not be regarded as financial support.
237 </p>
238 <h2 class="h2_mainheading">
238 <br />
238 4.
238 <a name="when_to_assess" id="when_to_assess">
238 </a>
238 When to Assess the Need for Adoption Support
238 </h2>
239 <table width="95%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" title="When to Assess the Need for
Adoption Support">
240 <tr>
241 <td width="3%">
241 4.1
241 </td>
242 <td>
242 <p>
242 <a name="three_point_one" id="three_point_one">
242 </a>
242 In relation to adoptions arranged by the agency, practitioners must assess the need for
adoption support at the following stages of care and permanence planning:
242 </p>
243 <ol type="a">
244 <li>
244 When preparing the
244 <a
href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/childs_perm_report.html
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
244 Child's Permanence Report
244 </a>
244 for presentation to the Adoption Panel as to whether the child should be placed for
adoption;
244 </li>
245 <li>
245 When preparing the
245 <a
href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/prospective_adopters_repo
rt.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
245 Prospective Adopter's Report
245 </a>
245 for presentation to the Adoption Panel as to the suitability of prospective adoptive
parents to adopt;
245 </li>
246 <li>
246 When considering and preparing the
246 <a
href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/adoption_placement_report
.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
246 Adoption Placement Report
246 </a>
246 for presentation to the Adoption Panel in relation to the proposed placement of a child
with particular prospective adopters.
246 </li>
247 </ol>
247 </td>
248 </tr>
249 <tr>
250 <td width="3%">
250 4.2
250 </td>
251 <td>
251 <p>
251 <a name="three_point_two" id="three_point_two">
251 </a>
251 In relation to placements arranged by the agency, adoption support must also always be
considered at a child's Adoption Reviews following the adoptive placement.
251 </p>
252 <p>
252 See
252 <a href="p_adoption_reviews.html">
252 Adoption Reviews Procedure
252 </a>
252 </p>
252 </td>
253 </tr>
254 <tr>
255 <td width="3%">
255 4.3
255 </td>
256 <td>
256 <p>
256 <a name="three_point_three" id="three_point_three">
256 </a>
256 Local authorities must also undertake assessments of need for adoption support at the
request of the following:
256 </p>
257 <ol type="i">
258 <li>
258 Children who may be adopted, their parents or guardians;
258 </li>
259 <li>
259 Persons wishing to adopt a child;
259 </li>
260 <li>
260 Adopted persons, their parents, birth parents and former guardians;
260 </li>
261 <li>
261 Other children of adoptive parents (whether or not they are adopted);
261 </li>
262 <li>
262 Birth siblings of adopted children;
262 </li>
263 <li>
263 Relatives of the adopted child or other persons with whom the child has a beneficial
relationship.
263 </li>
264 </ol>
265 <p>
265 The requirement to assess the need for support is limited to the entitlement to services of
the person making the request.
265 </p>
265 As well as adoptions arranged by the local authority, children adopted from abroad are
entitled to be assessed for therapeutic services and disruption support. It is only where the
adoption is by a step parent that there is no requirement to carry out an assessment, although
in such cases, counselling, advice and information may be offered as appropriate.
265 </td>
266 </tr>
267 </table>
268 <h2 class="h2_mainheading">
268 <br />
268 5.
268 <a name="which_local" id="which_local">
268 </a>
268 Which Local Authority Should Carry out the Assessment?
268 </h2>
269 <p>
269 The table below sets out which local authority has responsibility for carrying out the assessment
of need for adoption support, and in what circumstances.
269 </p>
270 <table width="95%" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" title="Which Local Authority Should
Carry Out The Assessment?">
271 <tr class="table_header">
272 <td align="center">
272 Circumstance
272 </td>
273 <td align="center">
273 Responsibility for Assessment
273 </td>
274 </tr>
275 <tr class="table_row_odd">
276 <td class="table_row_even">
276 Child being
276 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/looked_after.html"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
276 Looked After
276 </a>
276 and in respect of whom an adoption plan is being considered
276 </td>
277 <td>
277 The local authority looking after the child
277 </td>
278 </tr>
279 <tr>
280 <td class="table_row_even">
280 Child placed with or adopted by family living in the area of the local authority arranging the
adoption
280 </td>
281 <td>
281 The local authority for the area where the child and adopters live
281 </td>
282 </tr>
283 <tr class="table_row_odd">
284 <td class="table_row_even">
284 Child placed with and/or adopted by family living outside the local authority area
284 </td>
285 <td>
285 The placing local authority has responsibility at the time of the placement and for up to 3
years after the Adoption Order is made, and then the local authority where the adopters live
will have the responsibility
285 </td>
286 </tr>
287 <tr>
288 <td class="table_row_even">
288 In all other cases (i.e. non agency placements except step parent adoptions)
288 </td>
289 <td>
289 The local authority where the requester lives must assess
289 </td>
290 </tr>
291 </table>
292 <h2 class="h2_mainheading">
292 <br />
292 6.
292 <a name="which_local_auth" id="which_local_auth">
292 </a>
292 Which Local Authority Should Provide Support?
292 </h2>
293 <p>
293 The local authority responsible for carrying out the assessment of need should provide support to
meet the identified needs.
293 </p>
294 <p>
294 The exception to this is where ongoing financial support and/or supporting contact arrangements
have been agreed by the placing authority before the Adoption Order was made, in which case the
responsibility to provide such support will remain with that authority for as long as eligibility
for the service continues.
294 </p>
295 <h2 class="h2_mainheading">
295 <br />
295 7.
295 <a name="process_assess" id="process_assess">
295 </a>
295 Process of Assessment for Adoption Support
295 </h2>
296 <p>
296 In all cases where an assessment is required, the practitioners involved should conduct
assessments by following the guidance set out in
296 <a href="http://www.workingtogetheronline.co.uk/chapters/chapter_one.html#assessments"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
296 Working Together to Safeguard Children
296 </a>
296 . The assessment should take account of the adoption context and, where the assessment relates to
the child, all the developmental needs of the child should be covered including health, education
and emotional needs, and contact issues. The relevant education service and health trust should be
consulted as necessary.
296 </p>
297 <p>
297 Assessments of need for adoption support under
297 <a href="#three_point_one">
297 paragraph 4.1 (a) and (b)
297 </a>
297 above should be carried out by the child's social worker and/or the prospective adopters' social
worker as appropriate prior to being presented to the Adoption Panel. The assessment under
297 <a href="#three_point_one">
297 paragraph 4.1.(c)
297 </a>
297 at the time of the child's proposed placement with prospective adopters should be considered at
the Matching Meeting and also have the approval of the Designated Manager (Adoption Support) prior
to being presented to the Adoption Panel with the Adoption Placement Report. At all stages, the
Adoption Panel must consider and may give advice on the proposed adoption support and this advice
will be considered by the Agency Decision Maker, before making a final decision on the contents of
the Adoption Support Plan - see
297 <a href="p_place_adop.html">
297 Placement for Adoption Procedure
297 </a>
297 .
297 </p>
298 <p>
298 Any assessment (under
298 <a href="#three_point_two">
298 paragraph 4.2
298 </a>
298 ) considered necessary at an
298 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/adoption_review.html"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
298 Adoption Review
298 </a>
298 , as a result of which a change in the Adoption Support Plan is required, should be referred to
the Designated Manager (Adoption Support) for approval who will consider whether the case should
be referred back to the Adoption Panel and the Agency Decision Maker.
298 </p>
299 <p>
299 Requests for assessment for adoption support under
299 <a href="#three_point_three">
299 paragraph 4.3
299 </a>
299 above will be allocated to a social worker to carry out an assessment, with advice from the
Adoption Support Services Adviser as necessary. The assessing social worker will usually need to
interview the person being assessed - where this is a child, the adoptive parents will also need
to be interviewed depending on the case and the age, understanding and wishes of the child.
299 </p>
300 <p>
300 An assessment will not be required before providing advice and information.
300 </p>
301 <p>
301 Where an assessment is carried out as a result of a request under
301 <a href="#three_point_three">
301 paragraph 4.3
301 </a>
301 , a written report of the assessment should be produced and agreed by the Designated Manager
(Adoption Support).
301 </p>
302 <p>
302 A copy of the assessment report, once approved, should be sent to the person assessed with notice
of the outcome of the assessment, which should state:
302 </p>
303 <ol>
304 <li>
304 The person's assessed needs for support;
304 </li>
305 <li>
305 Whether the local authority proposes to provide adoption support services and if so, what the
proposed services are;
305 </li>
306 <li>
306 Where the assessment relates to the need for financial support, how this has been determined and
calculated and the conditions to be attached, (see
306 <a href="#financial_support">
306 Section 9, Financial Support
306 </a>
306 ).
306 </li>
307 </ol>
308 <p>
308 Where the person assessed is a child, and it is not appropriate to send the notice to the child,
notices should be sent to the adoptive parent or the most appropriate adult.
308 </p>
309 <p>
309 Where services are proposed, a draft Adoption Support Plan should usually be attached to the
notice and those assessed should be allowed time to consider and make representations on the
proposal as set out in
309 <a href="#adop_aupport">
309 Section 8, The Adoption Support Plan
309 </a>
309 .
309 </p>
310 <p>
310 Where the service proposed is one-off, the notice of the outcome of the assessment will be
sufficient to outline what is proposed and a draft plan will not be required.
310 </p>
311 <h2 class="h2_mainheading">
311 <br />
311 8.
311 <a name="adop_aupport" id="adop_aupport">
311 </a>
311 The Adoption Support Plan
311 </h2>
312 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
312 8.1 Contents of Adoption Support Plan
312 </h3>
313 <p>
313 An Adoption Support Plan should set out clearly:
313 </p>
314 <ol>
315 <li>
315 The objectives of the plan and the key services to be provided;
315 </li>
316 <li>
316 The timescales for achieving the plan;
316 </li>
317 <li>
317 Those responsible for implementing the plan and the respective roles of others; what should be
provided, when and by whom;
317 </li>
318 <li>
318 The criteria that will be used to evaluate the success of the plan;
318 </li>
319 <li>
319 The procedures that will be put in place to review the services to be provided and the plan.
319 </li>
320 </ol>
321 <p>
321 The Adoption Support Plan will need to be completed after consultation with the appropriate Health
Trust,
321 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/camhs.html" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
321 CAMHS
321 </a>
321 or education service where any special arrangements may need to be made. Where the child is placed
in the area of another local authority, the agencies in that authority's area will need to be
consulted as to what services may be available for the adopters and the adopted children. In these
circumstances, the prospective adopters should be assisted with any cross-boundary issues that may
arise.
321 </p>
322 <p>
322 The Adoption Support Plan should include any proposed financial support, how the amount has been
calculated, where it is to be paid in instalments - the frequency of payment, the period over
which it will be paid and when the first payment is to be made, the conditions and the
consequences of failing to meet them and the arrangements for review, variation and termination,
(see
322 <a href="#financial_support">
322 Section 9, Financial Support
322 </a>
322 ).
322 </p>
323 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
323 8.2 Consultation with proposed recipients of adoption support
323 </h3>
324 <p>
324 Once a proposed Adoption Support Plan has the approval of the Designated Manager (Adoption
Support), a copy should be sent to the proposed recipients of the support, as well as to any party
involved in the delivery of the plan.
324 </p>
325 <p>
325 The recipients of the proposed support should be given 10 working days to consider the proposals
and make representations to the local authority about the proposed plan. Any representations made
should be considered by the Designated Manager (Adoption Support), who will amend the draft plan
as appropriate and inform the recipients of the outcome of their considerations.
325 </p>
326 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
326 8.3 Approval of Adoption Support Plan
326 </h3>
327 <p>
327 In relation to proposed agency adoptive placements, the proposed Adoption Support Plan will be
submitted to the Adoption Panel when the proposed placement of a child with particular prospective
adopters is recommended. The final Adoption Support Plan will be approved, taking into account any
advice given by the Adoption Panel. See
327 <a href="p_place_adop.html">
327 Placement for Adoption Procedure
327 </a>
327 .
327 </p>
328 <p>
328 In relation to other situations in which adoption support is proposed, the Adoption Support Plan
will be approved by the Designated Manager (Adoption Support).
328 </p>
330 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
330 8.4 Distribution of Adoption Support Plan
330 </h3>
331 <p>
331 A copy of the final plan should go to all those involved in implementing it, and to the recipients
of services (or appropriate adult). Where the child has an
331 <a
href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/indep_reviewing_officer.html"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
331 Independent Reviewing Officer
331 </a>
331 , a copy should be sent to them.
331 </p>
332 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
332 8.5 Reviews of Adoption Support Plan
332 </h3>
333 <p>
333 Where adoption support is in place prior to an Adoption Order, the Adoption Support Plan should be
reviewed at the reviews of the adoptive placement - see
333 <a href="p_adoption_reviews.html">
333 Adoption Reviews Procedure
333 </a>
333 - or at any time if there is a significant change of circumstances, within 4 weeks of the
notification of the change.
333 </p>
334 <p>
334 After the Adoption Order has been made, the Adoption Support Plan will be reviewed if a change in
circumstances is brought to the notice of the local authority. The Adoption Service Manager will
decide on the format and content of any such review, which will depend on the circumstances of the
case. It may refer to only one element of the Plan or be relatively minor in which case an
exchange of correspondence may be sufficient. (For annual reviews of financial support, see
334 <a href="#eight_point_seven">
334 Section 9.7, Annual Review of Support
334 </a>
334 ).
334 </p>
335 <p>
335 Where the change of circumstances is substantial, such as a serious change in the behaviour of the
child, it may be appropriate to conduct a new assessment of needs involving other parties.
335 </p>
336 <p>
336 If as a result of a review, whether before or after an Adoption Order has been made, it is
proposed to vary or terminate the support, the proposed change must be referred to the Designated
Manager (Adoption Support) for approval, who, in the case of agency adoptive placements, may
decide to refer the case back to the Adoption Panel for information and advice and then to the
Agency Decision Maker for a decision to be made.
336 </p>
337 <p>
337 Once approved, the person concerned must be notified of the proposed change, together with a copy
of the revised Adoption Support Plan in draft. They must then be given 10 working days to make
representations on the proposals.
337 </p>
338 <p>
338 Any such representations should be submitted to the Designated Manager (Adoption Support) whose
decision as to the final contents of the revised Adoption Support Plan should take into account
any representations made.
338 </p>
339 <p>
339 Notice of the decision must then be sent to the person concerned with reasons and, where
appropriate, a copy of the revised plan.
339 </p>
340 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
340 8.6 Urgent Cases
340 </h3>
341 <p>
341 Where there is an urgent need for support, the support can be provided before a Plan is drawn up
but the above procedure should then be followed as soon as possible.
341 </p>
342 <h2 class="h2_mainheading">
342 <br />
342 9.
342 <a name="financial_support" id="financial_support">
342 </a>
342 Financial Support
342 </h2>
343 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
343 9.1 Introduction
343 </h3>
344 <p>
344 Financial support is intended to supplement existing means of support available to adoptive
parents and the child or children being adopted. Adopters must be given advice of entitlements to
employee's rights to leave and pay, benefits, tax credits and allowances, and these should be
taken into account when considering amounts of financial support.
344 </p>
345 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
345 9.2 Criteria
345 </h3>
346 <p>
346 The circumstances in which provision of financial support may be paid are as follows:
346 </p>
347 <ol type="i">
348 <li>
348 Where it is necessary to ensure that adoptive parents can look after a child;
348 </li>
349 <li>
349 Where the child needs special care which requires a greater expenditure of resources by reason
of illness, disability, emotional or behavioural difficulties or the continuing consequences of
neglect - and the child's condition is serious and long-term;
349 </li>
350 <li>
350 Where it is necessary for the local authority to make any special arrangements to facilitate the
placement or the adoption by reason of the age or ethnic origin of the child or the desirability
of the child being placed with siblings or a child with whom they have previously shared a home;
350 </li>
351 <li>
351 Where such support is to meet the recurring costs of travel for visits for the child to members
of the birth family/significant others;
351 </li>
352 <li>
352 <a name="costs" id="costs">
352 </a>
352 Where the local authority considers it appropriate to contribute towards expenditure on legal
costs, including Court fees (in cases where the adoption is supported by the local authority),
or expenses associated with the child's introduction to adoptive parents or expenditure on
accommodating the child (e.g. adaptations to the home, furniture, clothing or transport).
352 </li>
353 </ol>
354 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
354 9.3 Types of Payment
354 </h3>
355 <p>
355 Payment to adoptive parents may be made in the following ways:
355 </p>
356 <ul>
357 <li>
357 Regular payments - which will be based upon the developmental age of the child and calculated as
agreed from time to time by the local authority;
357 </li>
358 <li>
358 Lump sum payments (settling in costs, special needs and adaptations), which will cover items or
adaptations that are required as a consequence of assessment of each child's individual
needs. Payment may be in instalments and will end at a time specified by the local authority;
358 </li>
359 <li>
359 Payments in special circumstances (for example, a child with additional needs or where foster
carers adopt a child for whom they are already caring or where adopters incur legal expenses in
contested cases). Payment may be in instalments and may end at a time specified by the local
authority.
359 </li>
360 </ul>
361 <p>
361 Financial support cannot generally include the "reward" element which may be payable to
foster carers and neither will payments be made so as to provide an income. However, payments may
be paid above the usual level where it is regarded as necessary to ease the transition from foster
care to adoption. Generally such additional payments can be paid for a period of 2 years although
in exceptional circumstances, additional payments may be paid for a longer period.
361 </p>
362 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
362 9.4 Assessment for Financial Support
362 </h3>
363 <p>
363 Where regular financial support is considered appropriate, the amount to be paid to adoptive
parents may be determined by an assessment of their means. This will take account of the
adopters' income and resources (excluding their home), reasonable outgoings and commitments, and
the financial needs and resources of the child. (
363 <span class="bold">
363 N.B.
363 </span>
363 Support provided under
363 <a href="#costs">
363 Section 9.2 (v)
363 </a>
363 to assist with legal costs or expenses associated with the child's introduction to the placement
will not be subject to an assessment of means).
363 </p>
364 <p>
364 As part of this assessment, the adopters should be asked to complete a Financial Assessment Form
and the completed form should be forwarded to the Finance Department. The Adoption Service Manager
will decide the level of support to be included in the draft Adoption Support Plan (see
364 <a href="#adop_aupport">
364 Section 8, The Adoption Support Plan
364 </a>
364 ), having regard to this assessment, and obtain budgetary approval as necessary depending on the
amount.
364 </p>
365 <p>
365 In relation to proposed financial support for a new placement, the Adoption Support Plan will be
submitted to the Adoption Panel with the
365 <a
href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/adoption_placement_report.html
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
365 Adoption Placement Report
365 </a>
365 when a matching recommendation is being considered. See
365 <a href="p_place_adop.html">
365 Placement for Adoption Procedure
365 </a>
365 .
365 </p>
366 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
366 9.5 Notification
366 </h3>
367 <p>
367 The adopters will be sent written confirmation of the decision to provide financial support. This
will include the amount and terms of the support and information about annual reviews.
367 </p>
368 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
368 9.6 Terms and Conditions
368 </h3>
369 <p>
369 If it is decided that financial support should be given to adoptive parents, payment may be
subject to conditions and a date specified by which the condition is to be met.
369 </p>
370 <p>
370 Prior to making financial support available to prospective or adoptive parents, they will be
required to inform the adoption service:
370 </p>
371 <ol type="i">
372 <li>
372 Of changes to their home address;
372 </li>
373 <li>
373 If the child (for any reason) no longer lives with them;
373 </li>
374 <li>
374 If there are any changes to their financial situation/the resources of the child.
374 </li>
375 </ol>
376 <p>
376 Where information is given orally, adoptive parents must confirm this in writing within 7 days.
376 </p>
377 <p>
377 Should adoptive parents fail to comply with the requirements, the authority may suspend payment of
the financial support provided.
377 </p>
378 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
378 <a name="eight_point_seven" id="eight_point_seven">
378 </a>
378 9.7 Annual Review of Support
378 </h3>
379 <p>
379 Adoptive parents must also agree to complete and supply the authority with an annual statement of
their circumstances for the annual review.
379 </p>
380 <p>
380 The adopters should specify the following in the statement:
380 </p>
381 <ol type="i">
382 <li>
382 Their financial circumstances;
382 </li>
383 <li>
383 The financial needs and resources of the child or children;
383 </li>
384 <li>
384 Their home address and whether or not the child or children live at home with them;
384 </li>
385 <li>
385 If there have been any changes to their own or the child/children's circumstances.
385 </li>
386 </ol>
387 <p>
387 The Adoption Service will carry out an annual review of the financial support, taking into account
the information given. Any proposed variation or termination of the financial support must be
notified to the person(s) concerned and dealt with by the Adoption Service in accordance with the
procedure set out in
387 <a href="#adop_aupport">
387 Section 8, The Adoption Support Plan
387 </a>
387 . Any decision to vary or terminate should also consider whether it is appropriate to seek to
recover all or any of the financial support already paid.
387 </p>
388 <p>
388 Should adoptive parents fail to supply an annual statement, the authority must send a written
reminder and give 28 days to comply. If they fail to comply, the authority may suspend payment of
the financial support provided.
388 </p>
389 <h4 class="h4_minorheading_no_underline">
389 Remuneration for former foster parents
389 </h4>
390 <p>
390 Where the adopter previously fostered the child they are adopting, and they received remuneration
in the financial support paid to them as the child’s foster parent, the local authority may
continue to pay remuneration for a transitional period of 2 years from the date of the adoption
order. This can continue for longer than 2 years if the local authority considers the case to be
exceptional.
390 </p>
391 <p>
391 The decision to include remuneration must have been taken before the making of the adoption order.
391 </p>
392 <h3 class="h3_subheading_no_underline">
392 9.8 Ending of Financial Support
392 </h3>
393 <p>
393 Financial support will end in the following circumstances:
393 </p>
394 <ul>
395 <li>
395 When a child reaches age 18, unless they continue in full time education or training when
support may continue until the end of the course of education or training being undertaken,
subject to any other financial support the child may be entitled to receive;
395 </li>
396 <li>
396 Where a child ceases full-time education or training and commences employment;
396 </li>
397 <li>
397 Where a child qualifies for income support or job seekers allowance in their own right;
397 </li>
398 <li>
398 Where circumstances have changed significantly and the criteria are no longer met;
398 </li>
399 <li>
399 If a child leaves the adoptive home and this is regarded as a permanent departure;
399 </li>
400 <li>
400 Temporary absences do not apply, e.g. boarding school, hospital, and respite care;
400 </li>
401 <li>
401 The child dies.
401 </li>
402 </ul>
403 <p class="end_of_chapter">
403 End
403 </p>
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