Purpose

To seek in
principal approval for continued participation in Adoption West
(AW).
 

Decision

Cllr Ben Evans sought Cabinet approval in
principle for continued participation in Adoption West (AW).
 
Having considered all of the information,
Cabinet noted the report and
 
RESOLVED to:
 
1. Approve, in principle, Gloucestershire
County Council’s continued participation in Adoption West as
their preferred option for a Regional Adoption Agency (RAA), beyond
February 2027 when the current arrangements with Adoption West
expire.
 
2. Ask the Director of Childrens Services to
continue to work with key stakeholders and partners to further
develop Adoption West, taking account of:
-  The direction of
national policy as it relates to adoption, adoption support and
other forms of permanence, and opportunities to expand or enhance
Adoption West’s remit. - The operational experience gained
since March 2019.
 
- A comprehensive review of resourcing,
structures and oversight to ensure Adoption West operates on a
sustainable basis, providing value for money for the participating
LAs and delivers good outcomes for children, young people and their
adoptive families; and
 
- Local Government Reform proposals.
 
*Approval to implement revised proposals in
respect of Adoption West beyond February 2027 shall be the subject
of a future Cabinet report once the above work with stakeholders
and partners has been completed.