Steve Thomas

Chief Executive

Prif Weithredwr

Welsh Local Government Association

Local Government House

Drake Walk

CARDIFF CF10 4LG

Tel: 029 2046 8600

Fax: 029 2046 8601

Cymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru

Tŷ Llywodraeth Leol

Rhodfa Drake

CAERDYDD CF10 4LG

Ffôn: 029 2046 8600

Ffacs: 029 2046 8601

www.wlga.gov.uk

Our Ref/Ein Cyf:

Your Ref/Eich Cyf:

Date/Dyddiad:                                      15^TH November  

Please ask for/Gofynnwch am:              Emily Warren     

Direct line/Llinell uniongyrchol:           (029) 2046 8681

Email/Ebost:                                         Emily.warren@wlga.gov.uk

Christine Chapman AM

Chair, Children & Young People Committee

National Assembly for Wales

Ty Hywel

Cardiff Bay

CF99 1NA

Dear Christine,

Re: Proposed Children and Young People’s Committee inquiry into Adoption

I am writing on behalf of WLGA and ADSS Cymru, in response to your letter of 7^th November, which seeks the views of stakeholders on the Committees proposed inquiry into Adoption.

The WLGA and ADSS Cymru welcome the chance to provide our views on this matter, and help to inform the shape of the inquiry to support ongoing improvements within the adoption system in Wales.

It is our view that an inquiry into Adoption services would be extremely useful, however we would advise that this inquiry is undertaken in approximately 6-12 months time to reflect the significant changes underway to improve adoption services in Wales. Having liaised with BAAF Cymru we are aware that they also share our viewpoint.

The Welsh Government published ‘Sustainable Social Services: A Framework for Action’ in February 2011, which sets out the Welsh Governments vision of a sustainable service through significant reforms to legislation, policy and service delivery. Local Government and other key partners have been asked to provide to the Deputy Minister a response which details our commitments for action, and detailed implementation plan.

Central to our implementation plan will be significant changes to the delivery of adoption arrangements. This is an absolute priority and an area where significant work has already commenced via the All Wales Heads of Children’s Services Group (AWHOCS) in partnership with Welsh Government and the third sector. A draft specification is currently being developed which is seeking to capitalise on the collaboration agenda, increasing the pace of regional working and developing some aspects of the service at a national level, moving towards one service for Wales.

We envisage that there will be additional capacity provided by Welsh Government to support these changes, and improvements will include but are not limited to national campaign and advice resource, regional shared pool of adopters, enhanced support post adoption and improved staff training.

It is our intention that we use Sustainable Social Services as a platform to drive change across the system, and are clear that we expect reform to adoption services to be implemented during 2012, using a tri partite approach between Local Government, Welsh Government and the third sector.

We are therefore of the view that there is far more potential to be gained by holding the inquiry in late 2012. At this point there will be significant scope to scrutinise the extent and pace of change, and the impact on outcomes for children in the care system and prospective adopters. Moreover, it will provide the Committee with an opportunity to understand how the specific welsh context is contributing to service development in a way not explored in other parts of the UK.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any additional detail or wish to discuss further.

Kind Regards

Emily Warren

Policy Officer