CATHOLIC CARE ADOPTION SERVICE
Every three years all adoption agencies need to apply to the Secretary of State for Health for approval to operate. Before re-approval can be given an inspection has to be carried out by the Social Service Inspectorate using powers set out in Section 3 of the Adoption Act 1976.
This is what they reported in March 2001 about Catholic Care:
The adoption team consisted of four social workers and a team leader. This provided sufficient resources to undertake effective work with all service users. The staff were experienced in adoption work and were able to maintain high standards of practice. We were impressed by the commitment of the staff and by the quality of supervision and support provided by the team leader. The general administrative support was also very sound and this enabled staff to focus on their professional practice.
In order to find homes for more hard-to-place children the agency had widened its criteria for potential adopters to include any married couple or single person, with no restrictions on religious affiliation. There were flexible attitudes to issues concerning health, disability and age. However, the agency was not willing to consider unmarried couples.
We found that initial enquiries were dealt with promptly and courteously and that enquirers were given all the information they needed to decide whether to proceed with an application. The assessment process was thorough and well documented. There were no laid down target times for completing assessments, although adopters with whom we spoke were generally satisfied with the timescales.
Overall, Catholic Care was continuing to promote sound professional standards throughout its work with children, adoptive parents, birth families and adopted adults.
A full copy of the report can be obtained from:
North East Inspection Group
Social Services Inspectorate
Department of Health
Tyne Bridge Tower
Church Street
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear NE8 2DU