County speeds up its adoption process
Monday, 17th May 2010.
Prospective adoptive parents in Suffolk can look forward to a speedier application process as Suffolk County Council’s adoption team continues to significantly reduce the time it takes to approve adopters.
It has been revealed that the majority of families approved to adopt between April 2009 and January 2010 took under 12 months.
This figure is a real achievement for the service as, just five years ago, there were considerably fewer applicants approved within a year.
The Suffolk Adoption and Fostering team will be on hand at the Suffolk Show this summer on June 2 and 3, to offer advice and support to those considering caring for a child.
Sally Stoker, the county's head of adoption, commented: “This is a great accomplishment for us. We recognise that it is extremely important to continue to reduce the time it takes applicants to be approved, without it affecting the quality of our assessment.
"We have to find the right balance between minimising delays and thorough assessments, good preparation and support to prospective adopters.
“In Suffolk we always have a need for more families to come forward and consider adoption. We know the length of time it takes is important.
"We hope that as a result of these recent findings it may encourage more people in the knowledge that potentially just over a year from now they could have their own family.”
Not only have Suffolk adoption team improved their approval times, but potential adopters can also be assured that the Suffolk has an excellent post-adoption support team, rated by Ofsted during their last inspection as ‘outstanding’.
There are a wide range of support services available, and in some cases, financial support can also be provided.
For more information about adopting a Suffolk child call 0800 389 9417 or visit www.suffolkadoption.com, or take the time to visit the Suffolk Show stand at Trinity Park.
It has been revealed that the majority of families approved to adopt between April 2009 and January 2010 took under 12 months.
This figure is a real achievement for the service as, just five years ago, there were considerably fewer applicants approved within a year.
The Suffolk Adoption and Fostering team will be on hand at the Suffolk Show this summer on June 2 and 3, to offer advice and support to those considering caring for a child.
Sally Stoker, the county's head of adoption, commented: “This is a great accomplishment for us. We recognise that it is extremely important to continue to reduce the time it takes applicants to be approved, without it affecting the quality of our assessment.
"We have to find the right balance between minimising delays and thorough assessments, good preparation and support to prospective adopters.
“In Suffolk we always have a need for more families to come forward and consider adoption. We know the length of time it takes is important.
"We hope that as a result of these recent findings it may encourage more people in the knowledge that potentially just over a year from now they could have their own family.”
Not only have Suffolk adoption team improved their approval times, but potential adopters can also be assured that the Suffolk has an excellent post-adoption support team, rated by Ofsted during their last inspection as ‘outstanding’.
There are a wide range of support services available, and in some cases, financial support can also be provided.
For more information about adopting a Suffolk child call 0800 389 9417 or visit www.suffolkadoption.com, or take the time to visit the Suffolk Show stand at Trinity Park.
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