Increase in Intercountry Adoption Fees.

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A decision made (03/04/2008) regarding: Increase in Intercountry Adoption Fees.

Decision Reference: MD-H SS – 2008 - 020
Decision Summary Title :	Increase in Intercountry Adoption Fees		Date of Decision Summary:	27th March 2008
Decision Summary Author:	L Outhwaite – Assistant Director of Finance		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	Proposal for the increase of Inter Country Adoption Fees		Date of Written Report:	19th November 2007
Written Report Author:	Sean Pontin, Team Manager, Fostering & Adoption		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Exempt: 3.2.1a) xii)
Subject: Increase in fees paid by Jersey Carers for Inter Country (Overseas) Adoption Assessments, to cover the costs incurred by Children’s Services.
Decision(s): The Minister approved an increase in the fees payable to Children’s Services by Jersey Carers adopting a child from overseas from £2,000 to £2,750. In addition to this, £100 is now payable for each post adoption report.
Reason(s) for Decision: Since setting the current fees in 2001, the level of resources involved in carrying out these Assessments has been reviewed (as detailed in the Report) and an additional cost of £750 (including 2008 inflation at 2.5%) identified. In addition, it has been identified that many jurisdictions have a requirement for post placement reports to be carried out, the cost of which, estimated to be £100, has never been charged. The proposed fees compare favourably with those of other Jurisdictions, as shown on the Report.
Resource Implications: Based on an estimate of 10 Jersey Carers being assessed in a year, additional income from the increase in fees would be approximately £7,500 per annum, which would enable budgets to be increased accordingly, to cover the costs.
Action required: The Treasurer of the States has given permission to increase these fees by above the rate of inflation. The Minister for Health & Social Services to approve the increase in fees.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):