Mark Whitehead 22 June 2015

Councils get £4.5m to kick start regional adoption agencies

The first regional adoption agencies - groups of councils matching children with parents - will be up and running months earlier than planned after a £4.5m cash injection.

The Government said that by encouraging councils to work together, the potential matches for a child would increase significantly and give children a much better chance of quickly finding a permanent 'forever family'.

Last year more than 5,000 children were found the permanent home - a record increase of 26% in just 12 months.

However, more than 3,000 children remain waiting to be matched with their new parents, with more than half having spent more 18 months in care despite their being adopters readily available.

Children and families minister Edward Timpson said: 'The new funding announced today will help councils come together and access an ever growing pool of approved adopters - creating families quickly and successfully.

'Thanks to reforms under the last government, there are now more families than ever ready to adopt.

'The Government now wants to make sure that fewer children face unnecessary delays before being placed in a loving and stable home through adoption.'

The Government’s plan to introduce regional adoption agencies was introduced in the Queen’s Speech last month.

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

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner