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Published Delegated Executive Decisions

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Decision Number: 0092 2021/22

Executive Portfolio:
Children and Young People
Decision Number:
0092 2021/22
Exempt / Confidential Item:
No
Ward(s) Affected:
All Wards
Declarations of Interest Received:
None
Title:
Renewal of the Together For Adoption Regional Adoption Agency Inter-Authority Agreement
Summary of Decision:
To approve the draft Inter-Agency Agreement for joint working in relation to the continuation of the Regional Adoption Agency, Together for Adoption.
Proposed Decision:
The proposal is submitted on behalf of the Together for Adoption Partnership and relates to the existing Together for Adoption, Regional Adoption Agency Inter-Authority Agreement which was established for three years on 1 September 2017 and is was to end on 31 March 2020. There was an option in the Inter-Authority Agreement to extend the existing arrangement on a ‘+2’ basis for two further years (1 April 2020 to 31 March 2022). All partners agreed to continue for a further 2 years to allow for a new inter-authority agreement and contract to be drawn up. It is proposed that the new agreement will be implemented from 1 April 2022.
Summary of Reason for Decision:
Together for Adoption, (TfA) Regional Adoption Agency is a shared Local Authority Service formed of five partners: Halton, Cheshire West and Chester, St Helens, Warrington, and Wigan. The service went live on the 1 September 2017. The partnership was formed in line with the Government Policy Paper, “Regionalising Adoption” in 2015. All Local Authorities were required to regionalise their adoption services by 2020. Wigan Council is the host authority, and Cheshire West and Chester Council operates as the lead commissioner. Wigan Council have commissioned Weightman’s Solicitors to complete the new Inter-Authority Agreement on behalf of the partnership, with equal consultation from partners and their legal representatives. This will take the partnership from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027.
Reason for Decision:
The shared adoption service is part of the wider Children’s Social Care Service in all five local authorities and reflects each council’s commitment to ‘best practice’ in the provision of an innovative adoption service. Certain adoption functions are retained by each Local authority as set out in the service specification.
Risks Associated with this Decision:
The is a legal requirement for all Local Authorities to be part of a Regional Adoption Agency (RAA). Should the Council decide not to renew the partnership agreement is would need to identify an alternative RAA.
Measures to Redress Risk:
Ensuring that St Helens remains a member of Together for Adoption enables the Council to meet its legal obligations. Membership of this RAA maintains relationships St Helens has created.
Anti Poverty / Human Rights / Agenda 21 Implications:
None known
Attachments:
Please Contact Fiona Woods - Ext 6410 for more details.