Standards & Inspection - Brief Introduction

In line with corporate objectives three and four, the social work department at the Adoption Authority have begun the process of developing standards for the continuous review, monitoring and development of services in line with changing needs in adoption.

The standards and inspection unit will monitor and review work in the three areas of adoption practice ? domestic, intercountry and tracing/information. Work in progress that underpins the development of these standards includes the:

Development of standards for domestic adoption practice as evidenced by best practice and research
Mapping of current adoption services
Identifying resource gaps particularly in the area of post-adoption work
Liaison with local services for the devolution of services to local level

This work is ongoing in consultation with service users and providers at local and national level. It also dovetails clearly with the development of services in intercountry adoption and in the area of information and tracing.