National Minimum Standards for Adoption Support Agencies

1.	Safeguarding and promoting welfare
2.	Services
3.	Staff
4.	Complaints and representations
5.	Records and accessing them

2. Services
People can and are affected by adoption. It is important that they receive services from an adoption support agency that is right for them and is tailored to their particular needs.

Agencies should:

• Provide prospective users with information on the services provided by the agency (Statement of Purpose)
• Refer people to another agency or service if they are not able to meet their needs
• Take the service user's needs and wishes into account when deciding whether they are able to provide a service or what services they can provide
• Listen to the views and feelings of children and always make sure their welfare safety are the paramount consideration
• Considered the welfare and safety of adopted adults and their birth relatives who are receiving services
• Respond quickly to requests for support
• Have procedures in place for working with services users with physical, sensory and learning impairments, communication difficulties and for those whom English isn't their first language
• Consult with service users and get feedback on the services provided
• Tell people of their right to make representations (suggestions) and complaints and provide help to do this where it is needed