Agenda item

-       Adoption Service

-       Private Fostering Service

-       Larchwood Short Break Unit

Panel Members are asked to give advance notice to the Overview and Scrutiny Team of any questions relating to the Statements of Purpose and Annual Reports where possible.

The Panel received for information a report presenting the Statements of Purpose 2017/18 and Annual Reports 2016/17 for:

• The Adoption Service
• The Private Fostering Service
• Larchwood Short Break Unit

The Panel noted that as a result of the Government review of Adoption, Adopt Berkshire was moving forward with plans to become part of a regional adoption agency – Adopt Thames Valley, which was to include Oxfordshire, Reading and Swindon as participating authorities.  Oxfordshire would be the Host Authority.  This would provide economies of scale and create greater choice while maintaining the standards of Adopt Berkshire and the opportunity for local people to support local children.

The Panel was reminded that Larchwood was a short break unit, providing short breaks, respite care and activities in the community for children with complex needs who had a learning and/or physical disability.  As some members had not visited Larchwood, it was suggested that a visit be arranged at a convenient time during the next few months.