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The National Adoption Register and final National Adoption Standards for England were launched last week, promising what health minister Jacqui Smith described as a transformation of the adoption process.

The Adoption Register, which will be run by voluntary adoption agency Norwood Ravenswood, will link suitable adoptive families with children waiting to be adopted across England and Wales, and is a key part of the government's reform of the adoption process.

Under the standards, produced in conjunction with British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering, councils and agencies will have a duty to produce a "plan for permanence" at the four-month statutory review of looked-after children. Clear timescales for achieving the plan will be set and, where adoption has been identified, the adoption panel will make its recommendation within two months.

A new public service agreement target focusing on timescales will be announced later this year.

The government wants to increase the rate of adoptions by 40 per cent but also wants children's views to be heard and responded to, as well as ensuring consistent post-adoption support. Smith announced plans for "two waves" of pilot councils and agencies to help develop the register's operation.

The launch also saw the publication for consultation of draft practice guidance for the implementation of the standards, plus draft national adoption standards for adopted adults and their birth siblings, which had been absent from the original consultation.

BAAF chief executive Felicity Collier welcomed the register, but regretted "an absence of significant new funding". The government announced funding last year of £66.5 million over three years - but mainly through the Quality Protects grant.

Adoption standards and register launched

- The needs and wishes, welfare and safety of the looked-after child are at the centre of the adoption process.

- Prospective adopters will be welcomed, and treated, without prejudice, responded to promptly and given clear information.

- Children will be matched with approved adopters who can offer them a stable and permanent home and receive post-adoptive help and support.

- Birth parents and birth families will be treated fairly, openly and with respect throughout the adoption process.

- Councils will provide a comprehensive adoption service, planned corporately and in collaboration with other agencies.

- Each council and adoption agency will provide a high quality adoption service.