Couple told to take adoption leave before councils scrap plans

A London couple were advised to take a year's adoption leave from work and purchase children's items before Ealing Council, Hounslow Council, and Southwark Council abandoned their plans to place a child with them. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found multiple failures in how the three authorities handled the adoption process, causing the couple significant distress.

Adoption plans withdrawn after leave taken

Mr and Mrs X had engaged in a months-long adoption process, meeting the child on several occasions and speaking with medical professionals. Mrs X took a full year of adoption leave from her employer, who subsequently found a temporary replacement. The couple had also been encouraged to buy children's toys and equipment for their home.

However, the ombudsman's report stated that internal discussions had raised concerns about the suitability of the match. Ultimately, the councils decided the child should not be adopted by the couple. This decision came after the child had referred to Mr and Mrs X as 'mummy and daddy' during a meeting.

Both prospective parents were asked to keep a panel date free, with the understanding that the placement would begin soon after. They felt that declining to take adoption leave would have raised questions about their commitment. The ombudsman ruled that requiring adoption leave before the adoption was certified was a fault by Ealing and Hounslow Councils, causing Mrs X professional damage.

Failures in communication and record-keeping

The ombudsman found that Hounslow Council advised Mr and Mrs X to purchase items such as clothing and bedding, despite ongoing concerns about the suitability of the match. The report noted that the couple should have been informed in writing at the outset if travel costs to see the child would not be covered. Ealing Council was directed to reimburse travel costs as these had not been clearly outlined as uncovered.

Furthermore, Hounslow Council rejected the assertion that it encouraged the couple to buy items. However, the ombudsman ruled that numerous meetings lacked notes, and given Hounslow's poor record-keeping, it was more likely than not that the advice was given. The authority was also found at fault for delaying consideration of available information at an earlier stage.

All three councils were found to have failed in managing initial meetings between the couple and the child, with poor record-keeping and communication. Ealing Council's records for these meetings were blank. Hounslow and Ealing were also faulted for not having a clear policy for managing these meetings. A Southwark council officer left a third meeting after 30 minutes, which was also deemed a fault.

The report highlighted that Hounslow and Ealing council staff deleted messages exchanged with the couple via an encrypted messaging app without filing them. The ombudsman stated that deleting records leads to lost evidence and fosters mistrust. The couple experienced avoidable distress due to the handling of the placement, poor record-keeping, deleted information, delays, and uncoordinated complaint handling.

Councils apologise for handling of the case

An Ealing Council spokesperson stated that the council accepted the ombudsman's findings and recommendations in full and apologised for the distress caused. The council has since strengthened its practice regarding guidance for prospective adopters, communication, consent, and record-keeping. A Hounslow Council spokesperson also confirmed acceptance of the recommendations and apologised to Mr and Mrs X, stating that practice has been strengthened.

Southwark Council did not provide a comment when approached by MyLondon.