THE adoption service in North Yorkshire has been judged as the best in the country by official watchdogs.

It was classed as outstanding in all areas - the only authority to receive such an accolade under new and tougher standards which measure outcomes for children rather than organisational processes.

Over the last three years only six other authorities have been judged outstanding across the board for adoption services, and none others in Yorkshire.

Ofsted inspectors said that in North Yorkshire children’s needs were central to the running of the service and they were provided with stability and safety throughout the adoption process.

And they praised strong and clear leadership and effective monitoring of the service which ensured children did not experience undue delay and went on to enjoy successful and fulfilling lives.

They also acknowledged the commitment of knowledgeable social workers who were “prepared to go the extra mile” to achieve the best outcomes for children.

The county council’s executive member for children’s social care, Carl Les, reacted to the report with delight.

“This accolade is richly deserved,” he said.

“Our dedicated and experienced staff provides the strong leadership necessary to ensure that children who are placed for adoption, as well as adoptive families, are supported through every step of this complex and challenging process.

“We are very proud that children placed for adoption in North Yorkshire thrive and are given the best chance to achieve their potential in life- which is the right of every child.”