We welcome Clause 4 (10) which places a duty on one local authority to comply with the request from another local authority to help in the exercise of their functions in relation to adoption support services there continues to be ongoing confusion about which local authority or voluntary adoption agency is responsible for providing

Adoption support services. After Adoption recognises some Voluntary Adoption agencies provide some Post Adoption work but often go back to the Local Authority for funding of specialist services. The arguments and the passing of responsibility often leave families without support until sadly the placement breaks down. This too is the position for birth families. We feel that the bill needs to clarify which local authority has the responsibility to provide these services.