Adoption in Merseyside (AiM) Adoption Support Services

Adoption in Merseyside (AiM) is a Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) covering Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral local authorities.

AiM wishes to attract the best support services available for those involved in adoption in the region. The anticipated volume of service required is to support a minimum of 180 individuals and a minimum of 260 letterbox exchanges. This is in the region of 1,230 exchanges of letters per annum.

Services will be available for the following groups:

• Adopted adults.

• Birth parents and relatives of adopted children, young people and adults.

All service delivery will be in line with any relevant Government legislation and guidance. The overall legislative Framework is the Adoption and Children Act 2002

The Providers must be a registered Adoption Support Agency or registered Voluntary Adoption Agency which has notified OFSTED of variation to its business and comply with The Adoption Support Service Regulations 2005. A 'registered adoption support agency' refers to an agency registered under Part 2 of the Care Standards Act 2000 b and be subject to regular inspection.

The services need to be available at any time during and post the adoption process.

This is a one-year contract with the possibility to extend for two 12-month optional periods. The Council's maximum budget for this contract is £170,000 per annum (or £510,000 over three years)

The contract falls under the scope of the Light Touch Regime and an open tender below the threshold is being undertaken.