Issue - meetings

Action Sheet - 18th November 2021

Meeting: 20/01/2022 - Social Services Scrutiny Committee (Item 5)

5 Action Sheet - 18th November 2021 pdf icon PDF 246 KB

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The action sheet arising from the meeting of the Social Services Scrutiny Committee held on 18th November, 2021 was submitted, whereupon:-

 

Item 7 - National Adoption Service Annual Report

 

In response to a Member’s question regarding advertising comparisons with other areas, the Head of Children’s Services said she was unaware of any comparison data but would look into this matter and inform Members in due course.

 

A Member felt that the Authority should return to more traditional forms of advertising such as newspapers, roundabout ads and billboards to reach audiences who may not be aware of adoption services and may not use social media.   The Head of Children’s Services said analysis had been undertaken regarding the demographic of people interested in adoption and the data helped to focus adverts to those people most likely to adopt.  Social media platforms were targeted as they were used by the majority of people potentially interested in adoption.  She added that now that Covid restrictions were easing this would enable them to be more present in communities and would provide a mix of both social media and community based advertising.

 

The Chair felt that, along with social media advertising, there should also be a return to awareness raising in the community that had taken place pre-pandemic and local community hubs could be used for displaying advertising posters, etc.

 

A Member enquired regarding information on children in foster care going on to become adopted by their foster carers.  The Head of Children’s Services said there was a small number of children who went on to become adopted by their foster carers.  They were looking to develop this area and were piloting new guidance to recruit adopters who would also be assessed as foster carers so the child could be placed with them immediately, stay with them and be adopted by them.

 

The Committee AGREED, subject to the foregoing, that the action sheet be noted.