Delegation of Duties in the Adoption and Family and Friends (Special Guardianship) Service

SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER

This chapter was developed/entirely revised in September 2012 and should be read in full.

This chapter is currently under review.

The Head of Service, Adoption and Fostering is the designated Agency Decision Maker. In his or her absence, the Head of Safeguarding and Child Protection who is a qualified social worker, to undertake the task. The Agency Decision Maker cannot be included on the Central List from which Panel Members are drawn.

In the event that the Decision Maker is minded not to agree to panel's recommendation, he or she will take advice from a senior manager (such as the Operational Director, Children's Services) who is a qualified social worker and who is not a panel member. The choice of senior manager will be dependent upon the issue in question and who is the most appropriate manager to advice on the relevant issue.

The Head of Service, Adoption and Fostering may delegate as appropriate some decisions to the Services Manager, Adoption where there is a prolonged absence. Other duties will be referred to the Operational Director, Children's Services.

In the absence of the Services Manager, Adoption, the role of panel adviser may be undertaken by an Adoption Team Manager.

In the absence of the Services Manager, Adoption, agreement to residence allowances and ongoing adoption financial support will be referred to the Head of Service, Adoption and Fostering.

In the absence of the panel administrator, other administrative support workers within the Placement and Providers Services administrative office will take on these duties. Enquires regarding bookings may be dealt with in consultation with the panel adviser.

The role of the Adoption Support Advisor lies within the post of Services Manager, Adoption and is delegated to the Adoption Support Team Manager in his or her absence.

Matrix Listing of Delegated Authority in Adoption

DESIGNATED MANAGERS WITH SPECIFIED AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY	POST TITLE AND CONTACT DETAILS
Adoption Agency Decision Maker	Post title: Head of Child protection and Statutory Review Process for decisions as to whether adoption should be the plan for a named child. Head of Children Looked After for decisions regarding adoption applicant approval and matches of named child with named prospective adopter(s) in the Absence of either, the Operational Directors are available.
Designated Manager (Adoption Panel Appointments)	Post title: Services Manager, Adoption Service
Designated Manager (Adoption Support)	Post title: Services Manager, Adoption Service
Designated Manager (Placement Orders)	Post title: Head of Child Protection and Statutory Review Service, in his or her absence an Operational Director
Designated Manager (Special Guardianship)	Post title: Services Manager, Family and Friends Service
Designated Manager (Special Guardianship Support)	Post title: Services Manager Family and Friends Service