That the contents of the Adopt South West Annual Report 2023-24 as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report be endorsed.

Under the national standards for adoption, all adoption agencies must provide to their responsible body, in this case the executive side of the local authority, a written report on the management, outcomes and financial state of the agency.

No other options were considered.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 3 March 2025 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

Adopt South West was the Regional Adoption Agency which undertakes adoption functions on behalf of Torbay, as well as Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Cornwall.  Whilst each local authority retained overall responsibility for their adoption services and for their cared for children, most adoption functions were delegated to Adopt South West.

The Adopt South West Annual Report 2023-24 outlined key data and information relating to these adoption functions, such as recruiting, assessing and supporting prospective adopters, non-agency adoption work including partner adoptions and for intercountry adoptions.  It also outlined key performance in relation to family finding for all children with adoption plans in the Adopt South West region as well as the support Adopt South West provided to all parties affected by adoption, including adopters, adoptees, adoptive families, adopted adults and birth relatives.

It was noted that the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board considered the Annual Report on 27 January 2025 and supported the recommendation to Cabinet.

At the meeting, Councillor Bye proposed and Councillor Jackie Thomas seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet, as set out above.

None