§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what change there has been in the number of looked-after children adopted since his Department issued adoption guidance and launched Quality Protects in 1998; and if he will make a statement. [104123]
§ Mr. HuttonFor the year to 31 March 1999, the initial estimate from local authorities of looked-after children adopted was 2,200, an increase of 200 over 1998 which represents an increase of nearly 11 per cent. The number of looked-after children placed for adoption was 2,900, an increase of 500 over 1998.
516WThese figures are encouraging: adoption is a priority within Government's Quality Protects programme to transform children's services. It is now essential to go further. As part of our Quality Protects programme, the Government will shortly publish the results of the Social Services Inspectorate's survey of all 150 local authority adoption services. SSI are also now undertaking in-depth inspections of selected adoption services. Additionally, we are developing rigorous performance indicators; improving statistical and management information; promoting the messages of recent research and undertaking new research on maximising adoption and minimising delay; considering with the Lord Chancellor's Department how court processes can best contribute to effective and timely decision-making; and supporting initiatives to increase the number of adopters, particularly from minority ethnic communities, including working with the Association of Directors of Social Services and the Commission for Racial Equality. The Department is supporting, with a grant of £50,000, the BBC series to promote interest in adoption and fostering to be broadcast in January.
"Adoption Now—Messages from Research", published in October, covers the planning and management of adoption services, monitoring of looked-after children, avoiding delay in placing children with new families, more robust and targeted recruitment programmes, greater collaboration with the voluntary sector, adoption by single people, the needs of older children and those from ethnic minority communities and the importance of listening to children.
The Government are determined that there will be lasting improvements in the adoption services. We must not fail these children.