Aberdeenshire Council Adoption Service rated ‘excellent’
Aberdeenshire Council’s Adoption Service has been awarded an ‘excellent’ rating in its latest Care Inspectorate review.
The inspection evaluated the service’s performance across key areas and highlighted the quality of care and support provided to children, young people, and their families.
The results found the service receiving the highest possible grade of ‘excellent’ for supporting wellbeing and a ‘very good’ for care and support planning.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Children’s Services Leigh Jolly said: "We are incredibly proud of our adoption service and the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to provide children and families with the support they need.
“This recognition from the Care Inspectorate reaffirms our commitment to delivering sector-leading services that truly put children at the heart of everything we do."
The report praised the service for its dedication to ensuring that children’s voices and experiences are at the heart of the adoption process.
Inspectors highlighted the use of innovative tools to help even the youngest children engage meaningfully in their transition and ongoing support. A child-centred approach was evident at every stage, from initial referral and matching through to post-adoption support.
One parent shared their experience with the Care Inspectorate, saying: "My daughter and I are going through a very difficult time, and I feel the social workers have gone above and beyond. They have made time to really listen and are compassionate and knowledgeable."
The adoption service was commended for its proactive approach to maintaining lifelong relationships between adopted children and their birth families, particularly in supporting sibling connections.
Through a partnership with Barnardo’s ‘Staying Connected’ project, children who do not live together have been able to build and maintain positive relationships.
The role of a therapeutic transitions social worker was also recognised as pivotal in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing during transitions and beyond.
The service demonstrated a high level of expertise in trauma-informed practice, with adoptive parents benefiting from ongoing guidance on therapeutic parenting.
The Care Inspectorate also noted that the service’s processes for assessing prospective adopters and matching them with children were thorough, evidence-based, and child-centred.
Adoption support plans were praised for being 'live documents', regularly reviewed to reflect the changing needs of children and their families.
The report stated: "Adoption support plans are highly individualised, reflecting the current and projected needs of children and their adoptive families. These plans are informed by a thorough understanding of the impact of children's past experiences, ensuring families receive the support they need at every stage."
While the inspection found no significant concerns, the report recommended that the service continue to enhance training in child and adult protection to maintain high standards of safeguarding knowledge across the team.
Adoption Team Manager Carol Reilly added: “The whole team were delighted with the outcome of the Inspection. I am incredibly proud of every member of the team who all share a passion to support children and families affected by adoption.”
In Aberdeenshire, about 10 children each year need adoptive families, from newborns to children up to eight years old.
The council encourages potential adopters to keep an open mind about the age or gender of the child they might adopt, as this can give more children the chance to find a home.
The council is also looking for families willing to adopt siblings, so that brothers and sisters can stay together if it’s in their best interests.
If you are considering adopting in Aberdeenshire or want more information, visit www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/children-and-families/adoption
You can also keep up to date on the latest events by visiting www.facebook.com/Adoptandfosteraberdeenshire
You can read a recent case study from The Centre for Excellence for Children's Care and Protection here.
You can download the Care Inspectorate report here.