Legal

Policy developments in the children’s sector

Changes to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: New duties in Family Group Decision Making and kinship care

Chapter summaries and analyses

Whilst there is no suggestion of a radical overhaul of the adoption system, the recommendations identify the huge amount of work required across the sector to keep the system fit for purpose for the future.

Agency Decision Maker resources

CoramBAAF have been commissioned by Adoption England to produce a series of training resources to support Agency Decision Makers in their decision-making and processes. Written and produced by CoramBAAF, these resources include written materials and several films featuring detailed case law examples.

Key legal provisions, guidance and legislation

Since the introduction of the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, new challenges have emerged. While these laws were designed to manage the growing amount of personal data being processed and ensure individuals’ privacy and rights are protected, their implementation has introduced additional complexities. Risk-averse approaches to disclosure and overly rigid interpretations of data protection laws often result in unnecessary redactions, and, at times, the process can become traumatic or alienating.

Adoption records

Adoption records document the legal process of adoption, including the transfer of parental responsibility from the birth parents to the adoptive parents. They typically include identifying information about the birth parents (names, addresses, phone numbers), the original birth certificate, and details about the adoption process.

Children’s social care files

Children's social care files are maintained by children’s services to document the care and support provided to children and their families. This includes services provided to children in need, those on child protection plans, looked-after children, children subject to a care order, those in foster care, children’s homes, or supported accommodation.

Access to records: what you need to know

Using your legal department in social services

Accessing care records

Adoption Agency Decision Makers group

This group is a dedicated space for Adoption Agency Decision Makers to discuss, share, and reflect on cases, practice and procedures with peers. It is not a traditional Practice Forum, but is a ‘surgery session’.

Legal group

*** We are currently developing our offer to this group. More details coming soon ***

Fostering starter pack

Get 'Fostering now', 'Making good assessments', and 'The child's legal journey through care' for £40 (usually £49.90).

Bumper fostering starter pack

Dive into these essential resources to gain practical insights and robust guidance, whether you're just starting or a seasoned professional. Get this bundle for £75 (usually £82.80).

Adoption starter pack

Get 'Adoption now', 'Making good assessments', and 'The child's legal journey through care' for £45 (usually £54.90).