Agenda item

Helen Woolgar, Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Care presented information on the Southwark Adoption Performance in 2021 – 2022.

Summary

·  During 2021-22 - 10 children were matched with adoptive families a similar number in 2020-21 and a significant increase from previous years.

·  Southwark children in care with a permanence plan for adoption have progressed during 2021-22.

·  Permanence is the long-term plan for how a child would be cared for which lasts throughout their childhood.

·  2021-22 four children were placed in early permanence placements and out of the nine adopted this year – three had been placed in early permanence placements.

·  The connection rate with young people’s families had been successful.

·  Length of court proceedings had gone up and are much longer due to the young person’s needs being complex or to match adopted children with families with a similar cultural background.

·  Of the ten children that were matched at panel in 2020-21, four were white British, three have black Caribbean heritage, one has black African heritage and two are of mixed heritage.

·  Issues concerning trans racial and inter racial adoption/fostering – it’s careful matching process; identified needs based on cultural /racial background.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the progress of the children with a care plan of adoption during 2021-2022 be noted.

2.  That the activity of the local authority working in partnership with Adopt London South (ALS) during 2021-22 be noted.

3.  That the Adopt London South Performance report for the council (Appendix 1) from April 2021 to March 2022 be noted.