The Adoption and Permanence Panel
The main functions of the Adoption and Permanence Panel are to consider:
- whether adoption is in the best interests of a particular child and if so, whether an application for a 'Permanence Order with Authority to Adopt' should be made
- whether a prospective adopter is suitable to be an adoptive parent
- whether prospective adopters would be suitable adoptive parents for a particular child or whether a permanent carer would be a suitable permanent carer for a particular child or sibling group.
The supplementary functions of the panel include:
- to consider permanence plans for children other than adoption
- to monitor and review the implementation of permanence plans for children
- to review, after a specified time, approved adoptive parents who have not been linked with a child
- to consider applications for adoption and residence allowances and to review the payment of these allowances
- to advise on any other matter relating to permanency.
Where a child is linked to a prospective adopter or permanent carer from another agency, the linking is considered by the Adoption and Permanence Panel of the agency with responsibility of the child.
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