William Eichler 01 October 2015

Charity voices concern over drop in adoption rates

There has been a fall in both the number of children granted an adoption placement order and the number of children placed for adoption this year, according to official statistics.

The Department for Education’s Looked After Children statistics, covering the year ending 31st March 2015, reveal that there was a 24% decrease in the former and a 15% fall in the latter.

Javed Khan, chief executive of the children’s charity Barnardo’s, says he is deeply concerned about the drop in adoptions and urges local authorities to act decisively on this issue.

‘There is no doubt’ he warns, ‘that if this fall is allowed to carry on unchecked this could very soon become a real crisis with children who need adopting waiting an unnecessary length of time in care - or even missing out completely on the chance of growing up in their own loving, safe and supportive family.’

He recommends: 'All types of permanence, including foster care and special guardianship must be stringently considered and supported.'

Barnado’s suggests that the decline in adoptions could be the result of the September 2013 judgment by Sir James Munby, president of the family division at the High Court.

Sir Munby requested that local authorities prioritise the rehabilitation of a child to its family while stressing the importance of considering all options for the child’s permanency when care planning.

Following the judgement, the number of children with a plan for adoption decreased by 40%.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Housing Assurance Service Manager

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£55,675 - £56,649
We’re building a brand-new assurance team in our Homes & Neighbourhoods service Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Trainee Public Health Practitioner

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£24,404 - £24,790
Working within the Kirklees Public Health Improvement team Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Climate Change Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£40,476 - £42,708
Are you a passionate and enthusiastic Climate Change Officer Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Transition Home Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 13 £45,718 - £49,764 (Pay Award Pending)
Could you support young people to realise their individual potential and prepare them for their journey towards independence. NOT JUST A PLACE OF WOR Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SEND and Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker (Communication and Interaction Team)

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
We are recruiting a SEND & Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker to join our Specialist SEND & Inclusion Team. We would be particularly intereste Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner