Decision details

Purpose of Report: This report outlines a proposal that City of York Council will host a regional adoption agency. The report outlines the national and local context of the regionalisation of adoption services. It considers the four options for a legal basis for a North and Humber Regional Adoption Agency. It considers the risks and benefits for City of York Council in hosting a Regional Adoption Agency.

Members will be asked to:
• agree to City of York hosting the North and Humber Regional Adoption Agency
• agree legal basis for North and Humber Regional Adoption Agency

Resolved:     That the Executive agree in principle:

(i)           To the establishment of a North and Humber Regional Adoption Agency (to be known as One Adoption North and Humber) formed from the amalgamation of the adoption services of East Riding, North Yorkshire, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, Hull and York councils.

(ii)          That the delivery model be the integration of the six Local Authority adoption agencies into a single Regional Adoption Agency led by a host Local Authority.

(iii)        That the North and Humber Regional Adoption Agency is hosted by City of York; that it is a shared service and that the name of the Agency is One Adoption North and Humber.

Reason:        The recommendations outline a pro-active response to Government requirements, in a cost effective way that offers York the opportunity to take on a regional leadership role, with the potential for future expansion into other areas of regional provision.