CP1593-18 Adoption Video & Photo Services

The DVD's and photographs will be used in a number of ways to support the placement of children for adoption and permanence. For example, the photographs will be used for profiles of the children, for events and in publications. The DVD's will be shown at Family Finding evenings, and possibly through online portals. It is important to note that in line with best practice, all the photographs and DVD's must be appropriate for the Child to view, they will be shared with the child as part of their life story work at the appropriate time. They must also be sensitive towards the Child's family of birth due to the possibility that they may access it.

Requests for service will vary according to ASW requirements, which will be dependent upon the needs of Young People ready for adoption. Not all children awaiting adoption will require DVD's and/or photographs. Spend on DVD and Photography across the RAA has varied significantly over the years, it is predicted to be £20k per annum.

ASW will expect the contractor of the service to support their vision to achieve improved outcomes for children and families. ASW will create a system where children are matched with the most suitable adopter as quickly as possible, as part of this ASW are seeking to commission the service of the production of professional photographs and DVD's of certain children waiting for adoption.

Adopt South West (ASW) Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) has been established to meet the government agenda for regionalising adoption as set out in the Education and Adoption Act 2016.

ASW will operate across the Local Authority areas of Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Somerset Council and Torbay Council

ASW aims to improve the number of placements available for priority children.