CENTRAL Bedfordshire Council has embraced the Government’s new guidelines on adoption as great news for children waiting to be part of a new family.
And Councillor Mark Versallion, Executive Member for Children Services, said Central Bedfordshire Council was already responding to government calls to ensure the adoption process is speeded up.
He said: “The new guidelines are great news for children who are waiting to be part of a new loving family and for those looking to adopt.
“The new six month timescale is achievable as we in Central Bedfordshire know. While not all of our cases achieve this deadline now, we know we are in a strong position to be able to meet the challenge.
“Our adoption service is among the best in the country for recruiting adopters and placing children and is noted for its innovation.”
Angela - a parent who adopted through Central Bedfordshire’s Adoption Service said: “Becoming an adoptive parent has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. To become a parent and provide a home to a child in need of one is an honour. Central Bedfordshire Council made my choice easy by their fantastic support and guidance and being able ensure the process went smoothly.”
The last Ofsted report praised the Council for its ‘innovative’ Teenage adoption panel.
The panel comprises young people who have been adopted and who give their view on the prospective adopters’ suitability.