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Contents

1. Financial Support
2. Introductions and Settling In Payments

1. Financial Support

• SM Adoption & Permanence is responsible for agreeing anything over and above the basic means tested allowance determined by Finance Team. Eligibility for financial support is determined by the child's needs, in the context of any particular match.
• The need for Financial Support should be detailed in the Adoption Support Plan. The plan should indicate whether support should be offered as a one off lump sum or an ongoing allowance. Where an allowance is required the ASP should clearly detail the reasons for this, the amount required and a review date.
• In cases where financial support is being considered, a financial assessment should be completed prior to a match being presented to Panel. This is the basis upon which Finance Team determines eligibility for financial support. The financial assessment is a baseline from which to make decisions about any enhancement or payment in addition to the means tested basic allowance, so will be required in every case where financial support is being requested.
• The ASSA must be consulted where financial support is being considered.
  
  If the fieldwork and permanence team social workers consider that an enhanced rate should be paid, or the outcome of the financial assessment disregarded, the SM will require a proposal in writing or email, including reasons for the request, costings (with timescales if appropriate, for example where funding for therapy is being requested), and the outcome of the financial assessment.
  
  

• The preferred method of payment of financial support is a one off lump sum. The ASSA will liaise with the Service Manger for a decision as to payment of financial support.
• Following indication from Finance Team and SM of offer to be made, the social worker should pass to SM for signature a letter advising the adopters of the offer, method, start and review date of payment(s) and a request for bank account details (see letter template). This letter should invite the adopters to reply, indicating their acceptance or otherwise of the offer. On receipt of this reply the social worker should pass for SM signature, a letter advising the adopters of the final agreement. (see letter template)
• The SM will advise Finance accordingly and an allowance will be set up or a lump sum payment made. 
• Where a review date is set the Finance Team will advise the Service Manger that a review is due. If the case is still open to a social worker in the Permanence Team this worker must take responsibility for reviewing the situation of the adopters to determine whether financial support is still required. This must be done in consultation with the ASSA and Fieldwork social worker as appropriate. If the case is closed to the Permanence Service, the ASSA will carry out this review. The ASSA will advise the SM accordingly of the review recommendation and reasons. 

The basic rates and enhancements are as below:

Age	Basic rate.	Maximum additional enhancement.
0 - 4	£110 - 00	£108 - 00
5 -11	£125 - 00	£125 - 00
12-18	£140 - 00	£140 - 00

The rate for Child Benefit will be deducted from these amounts, as prospective adopters are entitled to claim it from the date of the placement. (Unless they are in receipt of income support, in which case the rate for Child Benefit is not deducted.)

All historical financial support arrangements (i.e. pre Adoption Support Regulations) are reviewed annually by the Finance Team in April. The Team sends out a financial assessment form to prospective adopters unless otherwise instructed. The Team then advises the SM Adoption and Permanence Team of the outcome.

2. Introductions and Settling In Payments

Introductions

• Transport: Assistance can be available for fuel costs incurred in the introductions period. For long journeys public transport may be indicated. Standard fares will be reimbursed. Petrol costs should be reimbursed rather than mileage rate used. Where this is not easily costed a rate of 25p per mile should be paid
• Hotel and Subsistence: costs will be available at a maximum of £80 per  24 hour period per family unit, plus additional costs if a child is accompanying
• Introduction Activities: Where these are agreed as part of the introduction plan  expenditure incurred in relation to the child can be reimbursed, with appropriate receipts

Settling In

• Discretionary payment of up to £400 per child. Receipts are required
• In exceptional circumstances a proposal to exceed this amount must be made to the SM Adoption & Permanence. This should be done in advance of any commitment being given to the prospective adopter/s or adoption agency and presented in writing / email with costing and reasons
• Budget Code FAA013 EG 075

SM Adoption & Permanence must be copied into any agreements made (for budget monitoring purposes). 

The financial basis of the placement should be clarified from the point of Adoption Placement Meeting.  This should avoid uncertainty for adopters and agencies alike.

End