Health Minister Jacqui Smith this week announced that twelve councils have been selected to take part in a second wave of work with the Adoption and Permanence Taskforce to improve their performance on adoption.

The Taskforce was launched a year ago to help councils deliver better adoption services and spread best practice. It supports local councils in improving their performance on planning and delivering permanent homes for looked after children, maximising the use of adoption as an option for meeting the needs of looked after children, and providing effective support for all parties affected by adoption.

Welcoming the announcement Health Minister Jacqui Smith said:
"Adoption and adoption services are undergoing a radical period of change. The Government is committed to increasing the number of children adopted from care by 40% and speeding up the process of adoption. The Taskforce's work is a key part of this change, and along with other initiatives, such as the Adoption Register, Adoption Standards and recently introduced Adoption and Children Bill, it will help transform the lives of thousands of looked after children.

"I am delighted that the first eight councils to work with the Taskforce are now putting better systems in place which will have a positive impact on the children in their care, and am sure that the next twelve councils will benefit from the Taskforce's expert advice".

Denise Platt, Chair of the Adoption and Permanence Taskforce, said:
"The success of the Taskforce's work so far is a testament to the commitment to improving children's lives both of the Taskforce members and the staff in the councils with whom they have been working. I am pleased that so many councils wish to work with the Taskforce in Year Two and am confident that improvements in their adoption service will be made."

The Taskforce also produces good practice material which is available to all councils