The Narey Report on Adoptions

Psychologists working in Children in Care and Adoption services will be aware that the Narey Report (Martin Narey) has raised the profile of Adoption Services and how the working practice within statutory services for children who are unable to remain with their birth families could be improved. The Times have published the report, which was written exclusively for them. It is suggested that this will be the blueprint for a radical overhaul of adoption services.

Martin Narey has made 20 recommendations to improve services. The ones relevant to Psychologists working in these services include:

• "I recommend that the Children's Minister ensures that where the best interests of the child are clear and adoption seems to offer the best prospects of permenancy that it should not be delayed by the assessment of family and friend carers where there is clear evidence of unsuitability".


• "I recommend that the Children's Minister looks at how pre-court processes might be shortened, with particular reference to removing the duplication with the work of the courts".


• "I recommend that the Children's Minister ensures that the evidence of the success of adoption - particularly early adoption - (including low breakdown rates) can be communicated to local authorities, the voluntary sector, the press, the courts and the public".

I would encourage people to read the report as it is likely that this report will be influential in the decision making, the timeliness of services and the resource allocation where children need alternative care. Consider this report alongside the report by Eileen Munroe; we should anticipate changes that should mean improved services for the children.

Maxine Tostevin