New combined South Yorkshire adoption agency to speed up process for children in care

Barnsley council's adoption team has agreed to join forces with neighbouring councils to speed up the adoption process for children in care.

Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham council's adoption teams will join up to create Adopt South Yorkshire, which is one of three Yorkshire sub-regional adoption agencies.

It is hoped that by pooling resources, adoption agencies can match up children and families faster and by doing so, will reduce the amount of time that youngsters spend in care.

By creating a county-wide adoption process, is hoped that more children will be adopted, and the support services that are currently available to families who have adopted will also improve.

Councillor Margaret Bruff, cabinet spokesperson for children’s services, said: “We are really pleased that Barnsley will be part of the South Yorkshire regional adoption agency.

"The adoption team are committed to improving outcomes for looked after children and the additional support from the regional agency will enable us to build on our existing effectiveness and find forever homes for more children, more quickly.

“Adoption wouldn't be possible without compassionate people coming forward to provide a supportive and loving home to change the life of a child.

"We want anyone in Barnsley who is considering adoption to be encouraged to complete an application regardless of their marital status, race, disability, sexuality or gender.”

The South Yorkshire Regional Adoption Agency (SYRAA) will be hosted by Doncaster Children’s Services Trust (DCST) who will act as the lead authority.

The agency is set to be implemented in January 2021, and hopes to place 154 children with adoptive families located across the county every year.

A total of three new jobs will be created. They are: head of service, business support manager and a business analyst, all to be employed by Doncaster Children’s Service Trust.

The adoption process will remain the same, the scheme will cover a larger area, with a larger pool of potential adopters for children.

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