Adoption Statement of Purpose - Blackburn with Darwen Children's ...

of Service and Team Manager feeds back to both the Adoption and Social Work Service on issues
raised by the panel.
The Adoption Panel members undertake regular panel training in order to ensure that their
knowledge is updated in response to changes in regulation and guidance. The Adoption Panel
members will be subject to an annual review of their individual contribution to the adoption panel
with the chair and panel advisor.
The recommendation and the reasons for making the recommendation are recorded in the
adoption panel minutes. The minutes are approved and signed by the Independent Chair and then
presented to the Agency Decision-Maker (Director of Safeguarding, Early Intervention and
Prevention). A briefing on any of the panel agenda items can be provided on request by the Panel
Advisor. The Agency Decision-Maker is provided with a full set of panel papers in advance of each
panel meeting.
12. Safeguarding Personal Information
The Children’s Services and Education Department issues guidance to staff on the keeping, storage
and handling of personal information in relation to both electronically and physically recorded data.
The Children’s Services Department operates a Confidentiality Code of Practice applicable to all
people, including adopters and prospective adopters; and professionals in other agencies working
to effect the placement of children, who have access to personal information held by the Children’s
Services Department.
Prospective adopters are advised in relation to confidentiality matters as part of the preparation
and approval process.
The Children’s Services Department has a recording policy which sets out in detail the
requirements for confidentiality in record keeping.
13. Complaints
Any complaints, representations or compliments about the Adoption Service are dealt with through
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Customer Care Procedures. The Council is interested in dealing
positively with any concerns that are raised about the service delivered by the Adoption Service.
Initially, complaints will be dealt with on an informal basis but if this does not achieve resolution,
complaints may proceed to Stage 1 (Problem Solving) or Stage 2 (Formal Investigation).
If these processes do not resolve the situation, a Complaints Review Panel may be convened.
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Customer Services Manager keeps a record of complaints made
about the Adoption Service.
The Children’s Services Department welcomes comments, complaints and suggestions about
services from service users, their families, carers or representatives. A simplified procedure is
available to children and young people who can fill in a pro-forma and send it to the Customer
Services Manager.
13