Towards a Standardised Framework for Inter-Country Adoption Assessment Procedures: A Study of Assessment Procedures in Inter-Country Adoption for Department of Health and Children

This report on Inter-Country Adoption was commissioned by the Department of Health and Children in November 1998, with Terms of Reference as set out below. (i) the current assessment procedures in health boards to be reviewed in consultation with the relevant interests (this review should encompass both social work practice and service management) (ii) an overview of current assessment procedures in health boards which identifies any particular issues which need to be addressed to be provided; (iii) a standardised framework for carrying out of future assessments which accords with best practice in the field and delivers the service in the most efficient and sensitive manner possible to be proposed. Within this standardised framework, health boards should be able to exercise a degree of flexibility in the management of the service and in the detail of its delivery so that they can adapt it to the particular circumstances prevailing in their functional area. (iv) the resource implications (on current application rates for assessment) of this proposed standardised framework to be estimated (this estimate to include staffing levels, management and administrative requirements etc.). The feasibility of introducing charges for assessments should also be considered in this context. (v) any areas in which legislative or administrative change would improve the quality of the assessment process to be highlighted Since the report was commissioned, there has been considerable media (print, radio and television) coverage of the subject of assessment for inter-country adoption, where prospective adopters have detailed objections to their experience of the assessment process. It was not part of our terms of reference to investigate individual complaints. However the views expressed have, in the general sense, formed part of the underlying enquiry. In our field work we have had the opportunity to hear many views of the issues involved. We have taken a systemic view of the issue, and made positive recommendations to improve the service. The report was commissioned at a time when the Government’s Strategic Management Initiative, which focuses on quality, efficiency and openness of public services delivery, is being implemented. We believe this is an opportune frame through which to review the ICA service and to make recommendations. The report contains discussion of aspects of the process. However, it also contains clear guidelines and recommendations which are our view of how this service can best be progressed into the future.