High marks for Wiltshire with latest Adoption Scorecard

Children and young people in Wiltshire are waiting less time than ever to move in with their adoptive families, according to latest figures.

The Government's Adoption Scorecard tracks the progress of children in care finding the right adoptive family.

The tracker looks at six month and yearly data as well as three-year averages to assess progress.

In quarters 1 and 2 of the current financial year for Wiltshire, 14 children were adopted all of whom were placed within 12 months of the decision being made that adoption was in their best interest.

In the three-year period 2015-18, there were 76% (95) of children who waited less than 14 months between entering care and moving in with their adoptive family. This is an increase from 69% (85) in the previous cycle.

The data shows steady improvement over time in the county. Ofsted inspectors visiting Wiltshire Council children's services last summer said "The arrangements for finding children adoptive parents are a strength."

Wiltshire is now part of Adoption West a Regional Adoption Agency which has been operational since March 2019and is made up of six local authorities and a small number of locally operating voluntary adoption agencies.

The responsibility for care planning and casework for the child remains with Wiltshire Council. All activity relating to the recruitment, assessment and approval of adoptive parents is with Adoption West.

One of Adoption West's key priorities is to recruit more adopters for siblings alongside a support offer including specialist training and a mentoring programme.

Cllr Pauline Church, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills said: "I'm delighted the figures are so positive. What this means in real terms is children are becoming part of a loving family sooner than ever so this is good news.

"The work of Adoption West will no doubt continue this great work and provide the best opportunities for our children and young people in care."

 Adoption West will be holding an Information Session at County Hall in Trowbridge on Tuesday 14 January from 3:30pm to 5:30pm

More details are available at Adoption West Trowbridge Information Session (opens new window)

Last updated: 7 January 2020 | Last reviewed: 7 January 2020