Decision details

To agree the arrangements of Regionalisation of adoption services. 

Reason for deferral from January to April 2019 Cabinet : Item deferred to allow officers to undertake further work on the business case with other local authority partners.

RESOLVED:

       i.          Cabinet agreed that Brent enter into regional adoption arrangements as part of Adopt London West with the London Boroughs of Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith and Fulham, with special guardianship support included in this arrangement from the outset.

      ii.          Cabinet noted the intention for the London Borough of Ealing to host Adopt London West.

    iii.          Cabinet approved the delegation to the London Borough of Ealing of the adoption arrangements and special guardianship support as set out in the report.

    iv.          Cabinet delegated authority to the Strategic Director, Children and Young People in consultation with the Lead Member for Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care, the Chief Finance Officer and the Director of Legal and HR Services to make more detailed decisions around the implementation of this proposal including agreeing and signing off the Partnership Agreement between Brent and the other boroughs involved in Adopt London West and the finalisation of governance arrangements.

     v.          Cabinet approved the creation of a partnership board to manage Adopt London West with senior representatives from all participating councils to be appointed to the partnership board, with Brent Council represented by the Strategic Director of Children and Young People.

    vi.          Cabinet delegated authority to the Strategic Director, Children and Young People in consultation with the Lead Member for Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care to agree the admission of up to two additional boroughs into the Adopt London West Regional Adoption Agency.