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(TAKE IN REPORT)
The report was introduced by Sarah Newman, Deputy Director of Children's Social Care. In response to questions the following points were clarified:
· Adoption performance in Portsmouth has improved every year for the past five years compared to other local authorities in Hampshire. There is therefore a slight concern that if Portsmouth joins with the other LA's in Hampshire that performance will decrease and officers are mindful of that.
· The adoption service had a visit from the DfE last week which found there to be excellent arrangements in place. Ofsted will be responsible for inspecting the new Regional Adoption Agency (RAA).
· The agenda for RAA's is driven by Central Government and arrangements are well bedded in so this will be definitely be going ahead. In reality this will only affect a small number of children each year as approximately 10% of children in care are placed for adoption each year.
· The current cost of allowances and team costs for the Portsmouth adoption service is circa £1.2 million a year. However there is still substantial development to be undertaken in respect of the financial aspects of the RAA proposals in order to identify the required financial contribution from Portsmouth.
· Alison Jeffery explained that progress with the RAA needs to be done carefully and it will be kept under review. There is a governing board consisting of Director of Children's Services for all the Hampshire authorities and the RAA is being discussed at these meetings.
· A further report will more detail will come back in early 2017 once the details of the RAA have been finalised.
DECISION:
The Cabinet Member agreed in principle that the Adoption Service becomes part of the Adoption South Central Regionalised Adoption Agency from 1st April 2018, subject to a further report and decision by the cabinet member once details have been finalised.