Together for adoption is a new service which will offer children and families in the region the support and guidance they need throughout the adoption journey.
The service brings together the adoption services of five local authorities – Cheshire West and Cheshire, Halton and WWiSH which incorporates St Helens, Warrington and Wigan.
The council says the service will build on the outstanding adoption services in Wigan Borough as judged by Ofsted earlier this year.
The aim of the new service is to increase the number of children being adopted and improve the experience of adopters.
Together for adoption will also look to provide exceptional support to families who want to adopt.
The new organisation will launch from Friday, 1 September at its base in Warrington.
The council says those currently going through the adoption process in all five areas will continue to work with the same team throughout the move to Together for adoption, ensuring a smooth transition.
In 2015, the government announced changes to the way adoption services operate, by proposing they be run on a regional basis by 2020.
Joining the adoption services of the five local authorities together will make it easier to find the best family for every child, says the council – Together for adoption will build on the existing high-quality service from dedicated and highly skilled employees which families receive from each of the local authorities.
Bryan Glover from Together for adoption said:
“Together for adoption will be there to help families throughout their adoption journey, ensuring families and potential adopters will get the very best in care and support – and we cannot wait to start helping them get the best future for all.”
Wigan Council’s Portfolio Holder for children and young people's services, Councillor Jenny Bullen, added:
“Adoption is one of the most important aspects of work that any local authority has responsibility for – and requires caring and skilled people to make it happen.
“Working with our partners across the region means those going through this journey will get the best support available.
“This is an exciting new period for adoption services in Wigan Borough – and will help us to find families that are the right match for our children in a timely way and continue to support them together.”
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