Local authorities in England need to learn from past failures to get support for adoptive families right, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman says.
The Ombudsman has published a new report aimed at improving the support councils provide to people throughout the adoption process.
It comes amid calls for the wholesale reform of the adoption process.
The complaints upheld by the watchdog reveal how an adopted child’s life can be ‘affected by poor service from their council’ during and after the adoption process, according to the report.
In one case, a family was not told about their child’s health condition prior to adoption which had long-term consequences for them as a family unit.
In other cases, poor information at the start of the adoption process has discouraged potential adoptive parents coming forward.
Ms Amerdeep Somal, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said: ‘Councils need to get their processes, and the support they offer to these families, right or they risk family units breaking down.
‘I urge councils to read my report and take stock of the good practice advice it offers to ensure they are giving the best possible chances to children, young people and their families in their area.’
