Permanence Planning.pdf

The Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 aims to provide permanence planning and decision-making for looked-after children in Scotland. Key findings include:

- Trends in adoption and permanence have changed since the Act's implementation, with increased use of Permanence Orders.
- Children's backgrounds and risks are crucial in planning for permanence, with factors such as age, disability, and sibling placements considered.
- Timescales for achieving permanence vary, with some children experiencing delays and multiple placements.
- Care planning, placements, and court proceedings are critical components of the permanence planning process.
- Decision-making involves various stakeholders, including social workers, Adoption and Permanence Panels, and legal services.
- Contact with birth parents, siblings, and extended family is an essential aspect of permanence planning, with varying arrangements and conditions.
- Geographical differences exist in routes to adoption, with different legal routes and decision-making processes employed across Scotland.
- The Act's effectiveness is evaluated, with reports and evidence suggesting areas for improvement, including reducing drift and delay, and increasing the availability of information.