Combined Executive Agenda 120410.pdf - North Ayrshire Council

February 2012
APPENDIX 4
Financial Implications
1. The table below illustrates the on-going increased demand for Permanence and Adoptive
Placements
Permanency Planning Group Considerations
Year Permanence Adoption Total
2005 – 2006 6 3 9
2010 – 2011 20 8 28
2. With the increased demand for Adoption/Permanent Placements, there is a requirement to
search outwith the authority and West of Scotland Consortium.
Current Fees – 2010/2011
Placement Purchase:
Between local authorities £13,138 per placement
Independent/Voluntary Adoption Agency £24,080 per placement
Post adoption support also applicable per placement:
Between local authorities £ Variable
Independent/Voluntary Adoption Agency c £3,863 per placement
3. 2010/2011
17 Adoptive Placements Approved – Potential Costs Detailed below
Placement No.
Cost Detail
Fee
NAC Placement 5
Other Local Authority 6
N/A
£13,138 £78,828
Changes anticipated in 2011/12
Independent/Voluntary Adoption
Agency
6 £24,080 £144,480
If an Adoption Order is not secured within 12 months of placement, Voluntary Adoption Agencies
will apply a monthly supervision fee – the current rate for this is £750 for a single placement.
4) Legal Expenses
There will be an increase in legal expenses, which will reflect the increased number of adoptions,
and the legal costs incurred. Also in relation to children’s permanence plans e.g. via
Permanence Orders. As the table below illustrates, there has been an increase in legal costs
over the last 5 years. Again there is a requirement to support legal costs.
Year Cost
2005/2006 £ 6,271
2006/2007 £ 4,317
2007/2008 £ 3,398
2008/2009 £10,472
2009/2010 £20,277
2010/2011 £14,158
2011/2012 to Nov. 2011 £ 22,128
The increase in demand for Kinship Care and the progression to Residency Orders or equivalent
could also increase the legal costs incurred in order to secure children’s futures appropriately.
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