Voluntary Adoption Agency, Caritas Care has been rated OUTSTANDING for the third time in a row by Ofsted!

Caritas Care have been finding families for children through adoption since 1934 and were rated ‘outstanding’ in all areas for the past three Ofsted inspections in 2014, 2017 and 2022.

Ofsted gave particular praise for the overall experiences and progress of children and young people placed with the agency’s adopters and the effectiveness of their leaders and managers. They said:

“Prospective adoptive applicants feel valued and welcomed from their very first contact with this agency.”

“The agency is inclusive and potential adopters will be welcomed whatever their ethnicity, faith, marital status or sexual orientation.”

“Prospective adopters feel exceptionally well supported throughout their assessment. Thorough, high-quality, analytical assessments demonstrate the skills of the applicants to meet children’s needs.”

“A particular strength of the agency is their successful matching of children with complex needs. This skilled matching means that the vast majority of placements result in the making of an adoption order. The agency’s disruption rate is extremely low.”

“Children’s health, education and emotional needs are met by their families and the agency, who work in close partnership with other professionals. As a result, children flourish.”

“The responsible individual and adoption manager have a wealth of adoption experience. They are dynamic and enthusiastic leaders.”

Kath Burton, Adoption Service Registered Manager said, “We are delighted with this report.  The team have worked so hard in particularly challenging times to maintain our high standards of support and shown a real dedication to all our adopters and the children placed with them. 

To receive the recognition from Ofsted that our service is Outstanding for the third time in a row is testament to the fantastic work we are all doing to ensure the best possible outcomes for adopted children and the high standard of support that we provide to every one of our adopters.

I am so proud of every member of our team who have shown nothing but dedication and commitment over the past two years.  They all thoroughly deserve this outcome.”

Caritas Care continue to find families for children in 2022.  There is a priority group of children who wait longer to find a family they can call their own.  These children are currently waiting approximately 18 months for adoption and Caritas Care want to reduce that wait to find these children their forever home sooner. 

Kath said “Of these children waiting, 44% are brothers and sisters; 26% are over 4 years old; 18% come from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds; and 4% have additional needs.  It is these children who wait the longest and it is these children who will be our priority in finding the right families for in 2022.”

At Caritas Care, everyone is welcome and when it comes to the adoption process; everyone is treated equally and with respect no matter of their background.  There are many myths around adoption, so they strongly encourage people to investigate thoroughly and gather as much information as they can.

Kath said, “We welcome enquiries from anyone who is interested in adoption and would encourage anyone who is starting their journey or who has been thinking about it for a while to begin by booking on to one of our regular information events to get a flavour of our Charity and meet some of our team.  We offer regular events where you can meet an adopter and hear an open and honest account of their experiences of adoption.”

Caritas Care also want to take this opportunity to urge prospective adopters to consider talking to voluntary agencies as well as their Local Authority when thinking about adoption.  It is important to do some research before reaching this life long and life changing decision.

Susan Swarbrick, CEO at Caritas Care said, “Many people still believe that it is only their Local Authority that can provide Adoption services and support but that simply is not the case. We want prospective adopters to know they have a choice and can choose the agency that best fits their needs and values.  You can ‘shop around’ to ensure that you get answers to all of your questions and get a sense of the choice between adoption agencies. It’s important to find an agency you feel comfortable with, so you may need to speak to a few to find one that feels right for you.”

If you want to find out more about Adoption with Caritas Care visit their website www.caritascare.org.uk or call 0800 652 6955.