Agenda item

The SCF adoption service manager presented the annual Voluntary Adoption Agency Report for April 2022 – March 2023, which outlined details about the performance of SCF Voluntary Adoption Agency in accordance with the National Minimum Standards for adoption and statutory guidance.

In summary, it was noted that the Slough Voluntary Adoption Agency (VAA) sat within the bounds of Coram Ambitious for Adoption Regional Adoption Agency (RAA), which delivered adoption services for SCF. A new adoption service manager had been in position since January 2023.

Following the Ofsted inspection in February 2023, the Slough VAA received a ‘good’ rating, and one of the positive highlight from the inspection, was that family finding was carried out with diligence and rigour with staff committed to achieving adoption efficiently and ensuring the best possible match.

The following points were highlighted:

• 7 children had been placed for adoption, including 3 children placed in Early Permanence. Two of the children placed with Early Permanence, who were also approved as foster carers.
• 3 children had been placed with adopters from Coram Ambitious for

  Adoption RAA.

• 10 ADM (agency decision maker) decisions had been made. The ADM made decisions relating to the best interest of the child (also in the case of approved adoptions).
• 7 placement orders were made but was still ongoing for two children due to changes in their plans.

Members noted and referred to the financial report, Coram Ambitious RAA Key Objectives for 2023/24 and the Slough Adoption Team Objectives for 2023/2024 set in the report circulated with the agenda.

The Panel Resolved to: Note the Annual Adoption Voluntary Adoption Agency Report for April 2022 – March 2023.