Purpose

1. To consider options for the delivery of
adoption services beyond the expiry of the current arrangements
with Adoption West in February 2027.
2. To agree a delivery option and to delegate
the development of future contracting arrangements to the Executive
Director for Children and Education, returning to Committee for
approval of this contract.

Content

The committee RESOLVED: (Unanimously)
 

 
1.     
To approve in principle to continue with Adoption West as the
preferred option for a Regional Adoption Agency beyond 2027.
 
2.     
To authorise the Executive Director Children and Education in
consultation with the Chair of the Children and Young People
Committee to take all steps required to work with key stakeholders
and partners to further develop the options for Adoption West as
outlined in this report.
 
3.     
To note the full background information at Appendix A prepared for
the six Local Authorities and the Options Appraisal developed in
relation to the recommendation at Exempt Appendix E.
 
4.     
To note a further report will be brought back to Committee with
options to consider for Adoption West beyond February 2027.
 
Contractual:
 
1.     
To note there are no contractual obligations at this
stage.  A further report will outline
recommended contractual arrangements.
 
2.     
To note the Adoption West partners are committed to seeking initial
approval for a continuation of Adoption West in Q3 2025/26,
allowing for up to 12 months of development work, and a final set
of proposals to come back to Committee in Q3 2026/27, ahead of the
expiry of the current arrangements in February 2027.