New challenges or different opportunities? Voluntary adoption agencies and the shifting terrain of child care services

This paper examines some of the developments and trends that affected the fluctuating relationship between state and voluntary provision of adoption services in England during New Labour’s terms of office. Using examples drawn from the work and experiences of one voluntary adoption agency, the paper explores the tensions within this relationship and the increase in state regulation of child care services. In order to consider the demands of recent reforms and initiatives upon voluntary adoption agencies and the ways they have been able to negotiate the adoption market, particular attention is paid to the impact of equalities legislation upon faith-based adoption agencies and to the practical and symbolic role of the inter-agency fee in the relationship between the state and voluntary sector. The paper concludes by considering recent interventions in this area by the Conservative-led coalition government and their implications for VAAs