SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

REPORT TO COUNCIL

HAMPSHIRE ADOPTION AGENCY

1. Members of the Committee were pleased to commend the Hampshire Adoption Agency in meeting the requirements of the Department of Health Local Authority Circular 20/98.


2. During the year 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001 the three Domestic Adoption Panels met on 40 occasions to considered whether it was in the best interest of children to be placed for adoption, the suitability of applicants as prospective adoptive parents and to match children with families who could best meet their long term needs. The Intercountry Panel which meets to consider Intercountry applicants met on 4 occasions over the same period.


3. During the year 56 Adoption Orders were made. There were 7 children for whom adoption placements had not been found and Social Workers were actively seeking placements nationwide for these children.


4. The continuing development of Post Adoption Services ensures that a comprehensive adoption service is available to all parties to adoption. Adoption is a life-long service which does not stop on the making of the Adoption Order. There is now emphasis on facilitating contact between adoptive and birth families where appropriate.


5. The Adoption Information Exchange provides a "letter box" service for those adoptive and birth families who wish to participate. The system currently deals with 159 adoptive families who regularly exchange a combination of letters, cards, and photographs with birth family members.

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