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

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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
Adopters and prospective adopters are clearly entitled to use the complaints procedure if they feel they cannot resolve a difficulty with the individuals concerned or their managers. Adoptive applicants who are dissatisfied with the agency’s decision regarding their suitability can apply for a review of their case by the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM). Information on the IRM can be obtained from the agency or the IRM website www.irm-adoption.org.uk The IRM can be contacted at: Contract Manager, Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) Unit 4, Pavilion Business Park, Royds Hall Road, Wortley, LEEDS, LS12 6AJ Telephone: 0845 450 3956 Fax: 0845 450 3957 Email: irm@baaf.org.uk 14. Review of Statement of Purpose The Statement of Purpose will be reviewed at least annually by the Head of Service and any amendments will be presented to the Executive Member for approval. The Statement of Purpose will be amended to incorporate changes in the Adoption Service. Any significant changes will be reported to the Executive Member and to OFSTED. This Statement of Purpose was reviewed in July 2013 15. Inspection and Registration of the Adoption Service Inspection and registration of the Adoption Service is carried out by OFSTED who can be contacted at the following address: Ofsted Piccadilly Gate Store Street Manchester M1 2WD www.ofsted.gov.uk Tel 0300 123 1231 OFSTED inspection reports on Service Provision are available on the internet at the OFSTED website. 16. Independent Advocacy for Children Blackburn with Darwen provides independent advocacy for looked after children, including children affected by adoption, provided by ‘Child Action North West’. 14
Page 1: version 6.2.21 Published July 2013
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Page 16 and 17: As part of our adoption support ser
Page 18 and 19: Qualifications Diploma in Higher Ed
Page 20: 18. Adoption Service Structure Char

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

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