Decision details

Background:

In March 2016, the government announced changes to the delivery of adoption services setting a very clear direction that all local authorities’ adoption services must be delivered on a regionalised basis by 2020. Legislation is in place to direct local authorities who do not engage in this programme. It is proposed that a new Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) is created through combining the adoption services for the three authorities of Kent, Bexley and Medway.  These agencies wish to build on the success of their existing services to improve performance in meeting the needs of children who require permanence through adoption, by bringing together the best practice from each authority within the RAA. Kent, Medway and Bexley will enter into a legal partnership arrangement. One of the three local authorities will be required to a lead on certain aspects of business servicing and these will be agreed by the Executive Board. All three local authorities are keen to ensure this is an equal partnership, each holding shared responsibility for its outcomes.

The Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services agrees to Kent County Council working in partnership with London Borough Bexley and Medway Council to form a Regional Adoption Agency, known as Adoption Partnership, which has been established in line with the government programme.