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When was the IRM launched? |
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The Independent Review Mechanism was launched on 30th April 2004. It is being operated by BAAF on behalf of the DfES.
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What is the IRM?
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The IRM is a new process, set up by the Department for Education and Skills. For the first time, adoption applicants in England can apply to an independent body for a review of their adoption agency's determination not to approve them as adopters or to withdraw their approval.
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Is this an appeal process?
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No. The new review panels are not courts or tribunals. They will be able to review a qualifying determination made by the adoption agency. Their recommendation must be taken into account by the adoption agency when making the final decision on whether the prospective adopter is suitable to be an adoptive parent.
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How will the process work?
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All the information which was provided to the original adoption panel, plus any new relevant information, will be considered by a new, totally independent review panel. The review panel will be able to call on specialist advisers for legal and medical advice. The adoption applicant will be able to attend the review panel to support his/her application, and to answer any questions.
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Who will be on the panel?
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The panel will have a membership of between 6 and 10 people. Most panel members will be independent people, that is, they will not be child care social workers. Two panel members will be social workers with experience of working in adoption. Some of the independent members will have personal experience of adoption, and others will have specific knowledge or experience relevant to adoption. Lay members might, for example, include an educational psychologist or a foster carer who has helped children move into adoptive families. The Chair and Vice Chair of the panel will be experienced in adoption work.
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Where will the panels be held?
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The panels will be held in 7 locations in England -Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge & London to minimize travel time & costs for people attending the review panels. See locations.
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Can everyone whose adoption application has been turned down apply to the review panel for this to be re-considered?
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No. The only people who can apply to the review panel are those whose adoption agency notifies them that it does not consider them suitable to be adoptive parents or withdraws their approval and the adoption panel last considered their case on or after 30 April 2004 For prospective adopters applying to adopt under the Hague Convention their case must have been considered by the adoption panel on or after August 20th 2004.
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Will the IRM review recommendations about matches between adopters and children?
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No. The review panels will only look at determinations on the suitability of adoption applicants to be adoptive parents.
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How much will it cost for applicants to have their case reviewed?
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There will be no cost to the applicant for their case to be reviewed although they will need to cover their own travel costs and expenses.
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Can applicants be represented by a lawyer at the review panel?
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No. This is not a court or tribunal. Applicants can be accompanied by a friend or "supporter". The role of this person is to help the applicant make their contribution as fully as possible.
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Is there any further "appeal" if the applicant is not satisfied with the review panel's recommendation?
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There is no appeal as such. There is the possibility in rare cases of application for judicial review if the legal grounds were there. However it will be the agency that makes the final decision.
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How do I contact the IRM?
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Contact Details for the IRM are;
Elaine Dibben
IRM Contract Manager
Dolphin House
54 Coventry Road
Birmingham
B10 0RX
Tel: 0121 766 8086
Fax: 0121 766 8557
Email: irm@baaf.org.uk
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