Adoption Support Agencies: proposed regulation changes

Closed 20 Mar 2023

Opened 9 Jan 2023

Overview

We're seeking views to exempt some providers of adoption support services from the Ofsted registration requirement.  

Why your views matter

Most adoption support service providers must register with Ofsted as Adoption Support Agencies (ASAs), which brings safeguarding and service quality protection.

However, the Department for Education believes that aspects of this requirement are not working in practice.

We propose to amend the Adoption Support Services Regulation 2005 and the Adoption Support Agency (England) and Adoption Agencies (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2005 to simplify arrangements for providers and increase accessibility of these support services.  

Audiences

  • Local authorities
  • Virtual school heads
  • Parents
  • Adoptive parents
  • Social workers
  • Social workers
  • Principle social workers
  • Directors of children's services
  • Adult and mental health practitioners

Interests

  • Adoption
  • Care leavers and former looked-after children
  • Health and wellbeing (Looked after children)
  • Keeping children safe in education and other settings