There is a particular vulnerability about children who are placed for adoption but not yet adopted in that they are almost, but not quite in the category of no longer looked after, and there is a risk that safeguarding concerns in respect of the prospective adoption may be missed. It is very common for these children to be placed at a significant distance from their home Authority, making intense monitoring of the placement more challenging.

The Adoption Agencies Regulations 2003 addressed these potential safeguarding issues in specific terms which are therefore a specific responsibility in respect of this group of children.

Where an allegation of abuse or neglect is made in respect of a child placed for adoption or in respect of a prospective or approved adopter, the following actions must be taken:

•Where a child is placed with prospective adopters, a prompt referral must be made to the Local Authority where the child is placed if any allegation of abuse or neglect is received, in order for it to be investigated under that Authority’s procedures.

•Where child protection enquiries are made in respect of a child by the Authority where they are placed, full co-operation must be given by any other Authority with information about that child.

•Where the child is not placed with prospective adopters, there must be a prompt referral to the Local Authority where the principle office of the Adoption Agency concerned is based, in respect of any allegation of abuse or neglect relating to the prospective adopters.

•The registration authority must be notified of the instigation and outcome of any child protection enquiry.

•Consideration must be given as to the implications of the outcome of any allegation, and any necessary measures taken in order to protect children placed with prospective adopters in line with the allegations procedures.

•Adoption agencies must ensure that appropriate individuals working for the purposes of the agency, prospective adopters and children placed by the agency have access to any necessary information to enable them to contact Local Authorities where a child is placed, plus the registration authority in respect of any concern about child welfare or safety relating to an adoptive placement.

Collective awareness and proactive intervention from all agencies in respect of children living in Wigan who are from other Authorities and Wigan children who have been placed elsewhere will maximise their safety and well being whilst in placement.