Bournemouth Council’s Adoption service has been judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted social care inspectors.
Ofsted said all four assessment categories were of an exceptionally high quality, to the extent that no recommendations were made for how the service could be improved
The four categories were: protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe; helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do; helping children make a positive contribution; and organisation of the adoption service.
Education and Children’s Services Cabinet Portfolio holder, Councillor Nicola Greene, said: “The results demonstrate the outstanding level of support that our service provides in terms of ensuring a safe and loving home for children who require adoption and in supporting those families and individuals who wish to adopt.
“The number of children who require adoption has quadrupled within the last four years and a result we need more people to come forward as prospective adopters. They can be from a variety of backgrounds; they may be single, married, heterosexual or same sex couples. I would encourage anyone who believes they can help to get in contact with our Adoption Services Team.”
This echoes the words of children’s minister, Tim Loughton, who said last December: “We desperately need more adopters.”
Bournemouth Adoption Services Team Manager, Heather Freeman, said:
“We welcome enquiries from anyone who is interested in adoption and assess those living in the Borough and those within an approximate 40 mile radius of the Borough. We fully inform prospective adopters about the realities of adoption and the support they can expect to receive from us during the process.”
For more information you can e-mail at adoption@bournemouth.gov.uk.
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