1. Introduction

This is a summary of the national minimum standards used as the basis for the regulation of adoption agencies (both local authority and voluntary), although there are some standards that apply only to local authorities and some to only voluntary agencies. The standards were written to ensure that looked after children, birth families, prospective/approved adopters and the general public understand what they can expect from the adoption services.

The standards help the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (OfSTED) determine whether the adoption agency is operating properly. They also may be used by agencies to assess their services, provide induction, training and guidance on what is required when setting up an adoption agency.

Adoption agencies are required by law to produce a written statement, often called a Statement of Purpose, which sets out its aims and objectives and describes what facilities and services it provides.

The agency should also provide a children’s guide to adoption, which includes a summary of what happens at each stage of the adoption process and how long each stage will take. The guide should also say how to make a complaint, get help from an independent person and how to contact the Children’s Rights Director.