Linking and Matching - Softcover

Linking and matching is the process of identifying an adoptive family which might be best able to meet the needs of a child who is waiting for a placement but little is known about how this is approached and which models of practice are currently in use. Between July and October 2006, 74 local authorities and 16 voluntary adoption agencies across England and Wales completed questionnaires which aimed to identify and categorise variations in practice and policy in linking and matching, and to estimate broad costs for some of the related activities. The survey revealed substantial variation in practice as well as evidence of considerable innovation. The findings show which factors appear to facilitate or inhibit effective family finding and what leads to delay. The study also presents a range of views on some controversial issues such as the balance to be struck between ethnic matching and delay and how rapidly to review matching criteria if no match is found. This study will be of particular interest to child care and adoption practitioners in both local authority and voluntary adoption agencies, as well as those charged with strategic planning and policy.