The government is resolute in its conviction that adoption is the best outcome for the majority of children in care. In a speech on the issue last month, Education Secretary Michael Gove argued that adoptions are more likely to last than other forms of permanent placement.
He told an audience of children’s services professionals he will not "settle for a modest, temporary uplift in adoption numbers" and warned: "Nothing less than a significant and sustained improvement will do."
The emphasis on increasing adoptions heralds a corresponding change in the inspections system. From April, Ofsted’s new inspections framework will mean that councils are unable to get an "outstanding" rating from the watchdog unless they place all children identified for adoption within 12 months.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
