Combined Executive Agenda 120410.pdf - North Ayrshire Council

When adopters are being considered for a match with a child/children, they will be asked to
complete a financial assessment. This, along with the information about the child, will
determine whether an allowance will be available.
At the Adoption Panel, which considers the match, a recommendation will be made to the
Head of Service regarding the payment of an allowance.
ANNUAL REVIEW
The finance section of Children & Families Services will undertake the annual review. The
Adoption Panel Co-ordinator will send out the required paperwork and ask for this to be
completed and returned along with proof of income. (Please refer to the attached Income
Assessment Notes in the Appendix). This will be forwarded to the finance section and
assessed. If there are any changes in the allowances the adopter/s will be notified in
writing.
If there are any significant changes within the year the adopters are asked that they notify
us of this in order that their allowance can be reassessed.
HOW MUCH AND WHEN?
If a child/children are assessed as requiring adoption allowances and the adopter/s are
agreeing to the allowance then this will begin from the point at which the child/children
move in with them.
A contract between the council and the adopter/s will be drawn up and the adopter/s must
agree to this prior to the payments going ahead.
The allowance paid will be the equivalent of the age-related rate of the Fostering Network
allowance. The allowance will be paid quarterly. These allowances are reviewed each
year in line with inflation and subject to full council approval. These allowances will be paid
minus child benefit, as adopters can claim child benefit in respect of an adoptive child.
Child benefit is not deducted for those adoptive parents in receipt of income support.
The weekly Allowances will be as follows:
0 -4 years £125.09
5 -10 years £142.49
11-15 years £177.38
16-18 years £215.74
These rates are based on the Fostering Network published rates as at December 2009.
STATE BENEFITS
There are a number of state benefits, which are available to families including Child Benefit
and Tax Credits. Once the child is placed for adoption the adopter/s can apply for these.
Disability living allowance can also be applied for when children have additional needs that
may require more intense support.
Advice is available from our Welfare Rights Officers on how to apply for Tax Credits and the
Child Trust Fund. This can be by appointment or telephone advice. Please indicate on your
application form whether you would like someone to contact you.
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