Agenda and minutes

Cllr Clark substituted for Cllr Allcock

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and personal or personal and prejudicial interests.  No whip was declared.

Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting of this panelheld on 30 November 2022 and 7 December 2022, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the chairman.

There were no public speaking requests.

The Chairman welcomed Ann-Marie Matson, Director: Children & Families, and Paul Cowling, Assistant Director Children’s Standards and Regulations, to the meeting.  The Chairman explained that Ann-Marie and Paul had been invited to present an overview of adoption services and to respond to members’ questions.

Ann-Marie and Paul delivered a detailed presentation on Family Adoption Links, the local situation, continued development of the local and regional model, the impact on children and young people, and how the service will continue to develop.   

The presentation concluded by highlighting the successes of adoption services that were included in the recent Ofsted inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services, and also some quotes from local carers who had been in contact with the service in recent years. 

The Chairman led a discussion on the presentation, with the panel asking questions about the cohort of children requiring adoption, communication with parents, safeguarding arrangements, the specialist workforce, and how potential carers are recruited and supported.  Officers responded accordingly.

Resolved – (a) That Ann-Marie Matson and Paul Cowling be thanked for the presentation and for responding to the panel’s questions; and (b) that the situation be noted.

There were no Added Items scheduled for discussion at this meeting.

There were no additional or urgent items to be discussed at this meeting.