The Membership of the Panel
The members of the adoption panel are drawn from different disciplines and are selected on the basis of the contribution they can make to planning for the long term needs of children. Currently there are two chairs and 16 panel members. These members attend alternate panels with up to eight members in attendance at each meeting.
Panel members include a medical adviser, legal adviser, representatives from different parts of the social work department, independent members and an educational psychologist. The fostering panel has knowledge and experience of the community it serves and can call on expert advice if necessary. Each panel member goes through relevant police and local authority checks.
Panel members have regular training days and have knowledge of child development and the needs of children in local authority accommodation. Each Panel has a Chair who will lead the discussion in the meeting.