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2024-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number NIC103068

Company registration number NI023076 (Northern Ireland)

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES

(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 5
Independent auditor's report 6 - 11
Statement of financial activities 12
Balance sheet 13
Statement of cash flows 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 30

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mrs M Frawley
Ms J Coulter
Mr S Small
Mrs P McGrogan
Mr K Murphy (Appointed 25 October 2023)
Ms J Porter (Appointed 25 October 2023)
Charity registration number NIC103068
Company number NI023076
Registered office 50 Knockbreda Road
Belfast
BT6 0JB
Auditor GMcG Group Limited
17 Mandeville Street
Portadown
Craigavon
Co Armagh
BT62 3PB
Bankers AIB
35 University Road
Belfast
BT7 1ND
Ulster Bank Limited
Danesfort
Stranmillis Road
Belfast
BT9 5UB
Solicitors Rosemary Connolly
2 The Square
Warrenpoint
Co Down
BT34 3JT

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charitable company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The main objectives of Family Care Adoption Services (FCAS) are:

The principal activities of FCAS are:-

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland in deciding what activities the charitable company should undertake.

Achievements and performance

The achievements of the charitable company during the year included:-

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Achievements and performance

FCAS provides services to the five Health and Social Care Trusts in relation to providing family placements for children from care in need of adoption. This is a core service for the charity and is key in providing and maintaining financial stability as each placement generates an inter-agency fee. In a time of financial constraint however, the Trusts are increasingly likely to seek placements within their own resources as a first preference, which may present some uncertainty in future periods.

The charity continues to engage with the five Northern Catholic Diocese on an annual basis in relation to their contributions towards service provision to adopted and fostered adults, and to adults historically raised in children's homes which were regarded as operating under the auspices of the Catholic Church. This is an oversubscribed and increasing area of work for which the charity is active in seeking additional funding support, which to date have been unsuccessful. Ongoing service provision is therefore at risk due to the limited and uncertain nature of funding in this area.

The Next Step Project is a service that provides support to birth parents, and other relatives, whose children are going to be placed or have already been placed for adoption. This service continued in the year but is due to be retendered with future funding therefore uncertain.

The charity receives core funding from the Department of Health towards salaried posts within the charity. This core funding is vital for the charity.

The charity's Life Story Project has been funded by the Lottery Community Fund for a five year period beginning in April 2019. This Project works with Young People aged 11-22 who are in Care, have left Care or who have been Adopted, and who have questions about their lives and experiences, in the past and in the present.

Financial review

The charitable company's financial results are set out in detail on pages 12 to 30.

There is an overall deficit on funds this year of £7,401 (2023 - £126,270 surplus). The charitable company has maintained an overall strong financial position, especially in the current funding climate.

The accumulated funds (unrestricted and restricted) now stand at £499,977 (2023 - £507,378). This comprises restricted funds of £97,358 (2023 - £155,928) and unrestricted funds of £402,619 (2023 - £341,450). In the financial period an amount of £94,520 (2023 - £22,155) was transferred from unrestricted funds to restricted funds as a contribution from general reserves to make good a shortfall in restricted funds received in the year. In addition, an amount of £91,973 was transferred from restricted funds to unrestricted funds as these funds no longer carry a restriction on use.

The trustees acknowledges the ongoing support from the Department of Health, the Health and Social Care Board as well as other funders and supporters.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Structure, governance and management

The charitable company is a company limited by guarantee, governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 20 September 1989.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mrs M Frawley Ms J Coulter Mr S Small Mrs J Crowe (Retired 19 September 2023) Mrs P McGrogan Mr K Murphy (Appointed 25 October 2023) Ms J Porter (Appointed 25 October 2023)

As set out in the Articles of Association, the existing Directors may appoint any person willing to act as a Director. There is no maximum number of Directors, but there is a minimum of two.

The members of the Board of Directors are drawn from a variety of disciplines as it is considered that a varied membership provides the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to exercise good governance of the charitable company.

Directors induction and training

The charitable company has an induction programme for new Directors. This comprises of an information pack containing details of operation aspects of the charitable company, annual reports and audited accounts, an orientation session with Board of Director members and senior staff and observation of Board of Director meeting.

Organisation

The trustees administer the charitable company and appoint a Chief Officer to manage the day to day running of the charity. The Board meets approximately 5 to 6 times per year.

Risk management

The charitable company has produced a risk management schedule as part of a formal process to identify risks to which the charitable company is exposed. This is monitored and steps taken as appropriate in order to mitigate those risks. The main risk the charitable company faces is in relation to the availability of future funding, the directors continuously seek sources of funding for the charitable company.

Reserves policy

Reserves are necessary to bridge the funding gap between remunerating staff and the receipt of the funds generated by the professional services provided by those staff members. Whilst core and Diocesan support some of these costs, the charitable company has to rely on the use of its services by the Health and Social Care trusts and others, if it is to remain viable.

In view of the uncertainty over the extent and timing of the flow of such work, the trustees consider that an ideal level of unrestricted reserves to be between 3 to 4 months of running costs. The current level of reserves is £499,977 of which £402,619 is unrestricted.

Plans for the future

The charitable company will continue to develop specialist adoption and childcare services in partnership with statutory and voluntary bodes. Some of which include:

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Auditor In accordance with the company's articles. a resolution proposing that GMCG Group Limited be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting. Small companies exemption In preparing this report, the directors have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006. Disclosure of inforniation to auditor Each of the trustees has confimied that there is no infomiation of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information. The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. 4fr MSJ Trustee uller Mrs P McGrogan Trustee

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees, who are also the directors of Family Care Adoption Services for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

CHARTÉRÈD AceouNTANTS FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES Opinion We have audited the financial stalements of Family Care Adoption Services (the 'charitable companv) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statemenl of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes lo the financial statement5, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion, the financial statements- give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of reSoUr￿s, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended., have been properly prepared in accordan￿ with United lQngdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practi￿,. and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Intemational Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UKI) and applicable law. Our responsibililies under those standards are further described in the Auditoffs responsibilities forthe audit ol the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance wth these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees. use of the going concem basis of accounting in the preparation of Ihe financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have perfonned. we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively. may cast significant doubt on Ihe charitable company s ability to continue as a going concem for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilitie5 and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concem are described in the relevant sections of this report. 17 MandeTrTrlle Street .41fred House 19 Alfred Street BEtF.igr wr2 8EQ DX3910 NR Belfast 50 Centuryi House 40 Crescent Busine&s Park LISBUILN BT28 2GN cr￿saV0n BT62 3PB Tel: +44 (0)28 3833 28oA Fax:+44 (0)28 3835 0293 Tel: +44 (0)28 9031 I113 Fax: +44 (0)28 9031 OT17 Tel: +H (0)28 9260 7355 Fax:+44 (0)28 9260 1656 GMcCisatradinszthmeotGmLfjGroupiam￿¢d. RogNo."N]059(th-iistdthreaorsaVikb￿*tTeBL<e[eAjoffite www.gmcgca.com

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES Other information The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditorfs report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial stalements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material rnisstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If. based on the work we have performed. we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companles Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work LAndertaken in the course of our audit: the information given in the trustees, report for the financial year for which the financial slalements are prepared, which includes the directors, report prepared for the purposes of company law, is consistent with the financial statements., and the directors, report included within the Iruslee5' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstalements in the directors, report included within the trustees, report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Ihe Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion.. adequate accounting records have not been kept, or retums adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us., or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and return5', or certain disc105ures oftrustees, remuneration specified by law are not made., or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit., or the tiustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companie5 regime 2nd take advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the trustees, report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the statement of trustees. responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purpose of company law. are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. and for such inlemal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial stalements that are free Irom material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the tnjstees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accoltnting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorfs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misslatement when it exisls. Misstatement5 can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate. they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud We identify and assess Ihe risks of material misstatement of Ihe financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. In identifying and assessing potential risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliances with laws and regulab'ons. we considered the following: The nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance. including the company's remuneration policies for directors, bonus levels and perfomiance targets, if any., Result5 of our enquiries of management about their own identificalion and assessmenl of the risks of irregularities", Any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the company's documentation of their policies and procedures relating to-. Idenlifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instance of non-compliance", Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud., and The intemal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations., The matters discussed among the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and potential indicators of fraud. As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives thal may exist within the company for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in revenue. In common with all audits un(Èr ISAS (UK). we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the company operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key law5 and regulations we considered in this context included the CompaniesAct 2006. and local tax legislation. In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the company's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES Audit response to risks identified Our procedures to respond to the risks identifièd included the following- Reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements. Enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims; Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships Ihat may indicate rtsks of material mis5talement due to fraud- Reading minutes of meelings of those charged with governance and reviewing correspondence with tax authorities., and In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls. testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments.. assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias," and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the nomial COLtrse of business. We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit. Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordanco with auditing standards. In addition, as with any audit, there remains a higher nsk of non-detection of irregularities, as they may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations. or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing norfvc0mpl1an￿ and cannot be expected to detect non- compliance with all laws and regulations. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at- https'.11 www.frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditorfs report. 10-

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES Use of our report This report is made solely to the companvs members. as a body. in accordance with section 391 of the Companies Act 2014. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the companls members those matters we are required to stste to them in an auditorfs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law. we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body. for our audit work. for this report. or for the opinions Y￿ have formed. Ms Gillian Johnston ACA (Senior Statutory Audltor) for and on behalf of GMCG Group Llmlted Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor 17 Mandeville Street Portadovm Craigavon CoArmagh BT62 3PB 11

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
49,360
96,547
Charitable activities
4
137,092
170,104
Investments
5
2,707
-
Total income
189,159
266,651
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
135,443
327,768
Other expenditure
11
-
-
Total expenditure
135,443
327,768
Net income/(expenditure)
53,716
(61,117)
Transfers between
funds
(2,547)
2,547
Net movement in
funds
8
51,169
(58,570)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
351,450
155,928
Fund balances at 31 March
2024
402,619
97,358		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
145,907
48,038
173,365
307,196
169,838
156,275
2,707
195
-
455,810
218,071
329,640
463,211
107,718
313,705
-
18
-
463,211
107,736
313,705
(7,401)
110,335
15,935
-
(22,155)
22,155
(7,401)
88,180
38,090
507,378
263,270
117,838
499,977
351,450
155,928		 Total
2023
£
221,403
326,113
195
547,711
421,423
18
421,441
126,270
-
126,270
381,108
507,378

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 15 6.330 7,913 CurTent assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 16 99.608 455.111 114,369 441.487 554,719 555.856 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 (60,253) (52,593) Nel current assets 494.466 503,263 Total assets less current liabilities 500,796 511.176 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 18 (819} (3,7981 Net assets 499,977 507,378 Income funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 21 97,358 402,619 155,928 351.450 499,977 507,378 These financial stalements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to Ihe small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the trustees on . MSJ Trustee Iter Mrs P McGrogan Trustee Company registration number N1023076 13-

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
27
Investing activities
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing
activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2024
£
2,707		 £
10,917
2,707
-
13,624
441,487
455,111		 2023
£
195		 £
23,108
195
-
23,303
418,184
441,487

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Family Care Adoption Services is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is 97 Malone Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6EQ.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitable company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charitable company has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charitable company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

As with most organisations operating in the third sector in Northern Ireland, FCAS faces some uncertainty in relation to future funding levels, particularly in respect of the charity's funding from the public sector. FCAS has built up a level of reserves in prior years that will enable the charity to continue with it's current service provision in the immediate future. Therefore, at the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charitable company is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charitable company has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charitable company has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures, fittings and equipment 20% Reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charitable company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charitable company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charitable company's balance sheet when the charitable company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charitable company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charitable company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

The charity employs one employee for whom contributions are made to a multi-employer defined benefit scheme. The operators of the scheme have identified a potential deficit and have notified an annual additional contribution to be made under the terms of a 10 year recovery plan.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charitable company’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements (Continued)

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

Fixed assets

The annual depreciation charge on fixed assets depends primarily on the estimated lives of each type of asset and estimates of residual values. The directors regularly review these asset lives and change them as necessary to reflect current thinking on remaining lives in light of prospective economic utilisation and physical condition of the assets concerned. Changes in asset lives can have a significant impact on depreciation and amortisation charges for the period. Detail of the useful lives is included in the accounting policies.

Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Impairment of short term debtors involves some estimation uncertainty.

Pensions

The charitable company is a member of a multi-employer defined benefit pension scheme. Pension obligations have been provided in accordance with agreed upon contributions to the scheme and disclosures have been made in accordance with the requirements of FRS 102. Estimates and assumptions have been used in calculating the present value of future contributions recognised in the financial statements and in the scheme information disclosed at notes 12 to 14. The charitable company used external pension advisors to support the estimates and assumptions made.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Grants and donations
49,360
96,547
Donations and gifts
Department of Health Core Funding
-
66,932
Diocesan Contributions
45,340
-
Rank Foundation
-
29,615
Halifax Foundation
-
-
Other
4,020
-
49,360
96,547		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
145,907
48,038
173,365
66,932
-
133,865
45,340
45,168
-
29,615
-
34,000
-
-
5,500
4,020
2,870
-
145,907
48,038
173,365		 Total
2023
£
221,403
133,865
45,168
34,000
5,500
2,870
221,403

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Assessments, Child Placements and Post Adoption Support
118,967
-
Other Adoption Support Services
18,125
-
Life Story Project
-
114,882
Next Steps Project
-
55,222
137,092
170,104		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
118,967
158,755
-
18,125
11,083
-
114,882
-
102,252
55,222
-
54,023
307,196
169,838
156,275		 Total
2023
£
158,755
11,083
102,252
54,023
326,113

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Interest receivable 2,707 195
Charitable activities
2024 2023
£ £
Staff costs 253,861 249,500
Depreciation 1,472 1,840
Recruitment, training and seminars 1,086 2,220
Rent, rates and services 10,310 10,269
Insurance 6,380 4,203
Computer costs 3,733 4,354
Light and heat 4,571 3,120
General expenses 5,796 4,094
Repairs and maintenance 247 928
Stationery, printing and advertising 3,941 4,967
Telephone and postage 6,078 6,147
Travelling expenses 7,051 10,356
Adoption panel expenses 1,552 -
Subscriptions and professional fees 15,695 8,472
Other project costs 4,000 -
325,773 310,470
Share of support costs (see note 7) 126,554 102,410
Share of governance costs (see note 7) 10,884 8,543
463,211 421,423
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 135,443 107,718
Restricted funds 327,768 313,705
463,211 421,423

6 Charitable activities

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7
Support costs allocated to activities
Staff costs
Depreciation
Insurance
Stationery
Telephone
Cleaning and hygiene
Rent
Light and heat
Travel
Computer costs
Bank charges
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Charitable activities
8
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets		 2024
£
118,800
111
1,126
297
458
1,985
1,080
508
421
1,245
523
10,884
137,438
137,438
2024
£
4,500
1,583		 2023
£
95,510
138
741
374
500
1,664
1,080
345
135
1,285
638
8,543
110,953
110,953
2023
£
4,500
1,978

9 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charitable company during the year.

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
11 11

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

10
Employees (Continued)
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2024
£
329,199
25,358
18,104
372,661		 2023
£
291,518
31,246
22,246
345,010

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

11 Other

Financing costs Total Unrestricted
funds
2024
2023
£
£
-
18
-
18		 Total Unrestricted
funds
2024
2023
£
£
-
18
-
18
18

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

12 Pensions - TPT Retirement Solutions - The Growth Plan

The company participates in the scheme, a multi-employer scheme which provides benefits to some 638 nonassociated participating employers. The scheme is a defined benefit scheme in the UK. It is not possible for the company to obtain sufficient information to enable it to account for the scheme as a defined benefit scheme. Therefore it accounts for the scheme as a defined contribution scheme.

The scheme is subject to the funding legislation outlined in the Pensions Act 2004 which came into force on 30 December 2005. This, together with documents issued by the Pensions Regulator and Technical Actuarial Standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council, set out the framework for funding defined benefit occupational pension schemes in the UK.

The scheme is classified as a 'last-man standing arrangement'. Therefore the company is potentially liable for other participating employers' obligations if those employers are unable to meet their share of the scheme deficit following withdrawal from the scheme. Participating employers are legally required to meet their share of the scheme deficit on an annuity purchase basis on withdrawal from the scheme.

A full actuarial valuation for the scheme was carried out at 30 September 2020. This valuation showed assets of £800.3m, liabilities of £831.9m and a deficit of £31.6m. To eliminate this funding shortfall, the Trustee has asked the participating employers to pay additional contributions to the scheme as follows:

Deficit contributions

From 1 April 2022 to 31 January
£3,312,000		 per annum
2025: (payable monthly)

Unless a concession has been agreed with the Trustee the term to 31 January 2025 applies.

Note that the scheme’s previous valuation was carried out with an effective date of 30 September 2017. This valuation showed assets of £794.9m, liabilities of £926.4m and a deficit of £131.5m. To eliminate this funding shortfall, the Trustee asked the participating employers to pay additional contributions to the scheme as follows:

Deficit contributions

From 1 April 2019 to 30 September
£11,243,000		 per annum
2025: (payable monthly and increasing by 3%
each on 1st April)

The recovery plan contributions are allocated to each participating employer in line with their estimated share of the Series 1 and Series 2 scheme liabilities.

Where the scheme is in deficit and where the company has agreed to a deficit funding arrangement the company recognises a liability for this obligation. The amount recognised is the net present value of the deficit reduction contributions payable under the agreement that relates to the deficit. The present value is calculated using the discount rate detailed in these disclosures. The unwinding of the discount rate is recognised as a finance cost.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

13 Pensions - TPT Retirement Solutions - The Growth Plan (continued)

31 March 2024 31 March 2023 31 March 2022
(£s) (£s) (£s)
Present value ofprovision 3,024 6,473 10,154

RECONCILIATION OF OPENING AND CLOSING PROVISIONS

Period Ending Period Ending
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
(£s) (£s)
Provision at start ofperiod 6,473 10,154
Unwindingof the discount factor(interest expense) 248 191
Deficit contributionpaid (3,699) (3,699)
Remeasurements - impact of anychange in assumptions 2 (173)
Remeasurements - amendments to the contribution schedule - -
Provision at end ofperiod 3,024 6,473

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE IMPACT

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE IMPACT
Period Ending Period Ending
31 March 2024 31 March 2023
(£s) (£s)
Interest expense 248 191
Remeasurements – impact of anychange in assumptions 2 (173)
Remeasurements – amendments to the contribution schedule - -
Contributionspaid in respect of future service* * *
Costs recognised in income and expenditure account * *

*includes defined contribution schemes and future service contributions (i.e. excluding any deficit reduction payments) to defined benefit schemes which are treated as defined contribution schemes. To be completed by the company.

ASSUMPTIONS

ASSUMPTIONS
31 March 2024 31 March 2023 31 March 2022
%per annum %per annum %per annum
Rate of discount 5.31 5.52 2.35

The discount rates shown above are the equivalent single discount rates which, when used to discount the future recovery plan contributions due, would give the same results as using a full AA corporate bond yield curve to discount the same recovery plan contributions.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Pensions - TPT Retirement Solutions - The Growth Plan (continued)

The following schedule details the deficit contributions agreed between the company and the scheme at each year end period:

DEFICIT CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE

Year ending 31 March 2024 31 March 2023 31 March 2022
(£s) (£s) (£s)
Year 1 3,083 3,699 3,699
Year 2 - 3,083 3,699
Year 3 - - 3,083
Year 4 - -
-
Year 5 - -
-
Year 6 - -
-
Year 7 - -
-
Year 8 - -
-
Year 9 - -
-
Year 10 - -
-

The company must recognise a liability measured as the present value of the contributions payable that arise from the deficit recovery agreement and the resulting expense in the income and expenditure account i.e. the unwinding of the discount rate as a finance cost in the period in which it arises.

It is these contributions that have been used to derive the company's balance sheet liability.

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

15
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 March 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
16
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
17
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Provision for pension scheme deficit
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
18
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Notes
Provision for pension scheme deficit
Government grants
19		 Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
£
139,772
139,772
131,859
1,583
133,442
6,330
7,913
2024
2023
£
£
93,593
107,870
6,015
6,499
99,608
114,369
2024
2023
£
£
3,083
3,699
5,767
3,030
24,292
24,292
27,111
21,572
60,253
52,593
2024
2023
£
£
-
2,774
819
1,024
819
3,798		 Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
£
139,772
139,772
131,859
1,583
133,442
6,330
7,913
2024
2023
£
£
93,593
107,870
6,015
6,499
99,608
114,369
2024
2023
£
£
3,083
3,699
5,767
3,030
24,292
24,292
27,111
21,572
60,253
52,593
2024
2023
£
£
-
2,774
819
1,024
819
3,798
139,772
131,859
1,583
133,442
6,330
7,913
2023
£
107,870
6,499
114,369
2023
£
3,699
3,030
24,292
21,572
52,593
2023
£
2,774
1,024
3,798

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

19 Government grants

Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:

Deferred income is included within:
Non-current liabilities
20
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 2024
£
819
2024
£
18,104		 2023
£
1,024
2023
£
22,246

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company in an independently administered fund.

21 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 April At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Diocesan Capital Fund 24,774 - - - 24,774
Life Story Project 10,622 114,882 (89,344) - 36,160
Next Steps Project 91,973 55,222 (55,222) (91,973) -
DoH Core Funding - 66,932 (161,452) 94,520 -
Donations 28,559 29,615 (21,750) - 36,424
155,928 266,651 (327,768) 2,547 97,358
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2022 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Diocesan Capital Fund 24,774 - - - 24,774
Life Story Project 1,091 102,252 (98,706) 5,985 10,622
Next Steps Project 91,973 54,023 (54,023) - 91,973
DoH Core Funding - 133,865 (150,035) 16,170 -
Donations - 39,500 (10,941) - 28,559
117,838 329,640 (313,705) 22,155 155,928

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

21 Restricted funds (Continued)

Diocesan Capital Fund - the various diocese have waived a loan which was made to FCAS some years ago on condition that the amount be retained by the charity to be used for its charitable purposes.

Life Story Project - this project assists young people, aged 11 to 22, who are in care, leaving care or have been in care. The project is funded by the Lottery Community Fund.

Next Steps Project - this project provides support to birth families and their relatives whose child has been or is being placed for adoption. The project is funded by the Health & Social Care Board.

DoH Core Funding - the Department of Health has provided funding towards the salaries of three employees.

Donations - The Rank Foundation provided a grant in the current year for salary costs of one employee.

22 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 351,450 189,159 (135,443) (2,547) 402,619
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2022 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 263,270 218,071 (107,736) (22,155) 351,450

23 Transfers between funds

An amount of £94,520 (2023 - £22,155) was transferred from unrestricted funds to restricted funds as a contribution from general reserves to make good a shortfall in restricted funds received in the year. In addition, an amount of £91,973 was transferred from restricted funds to unrestricted funds as these funds no longer carry a restriction on use.

24 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets
6,330
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
396,289
98,177
Long term liabilities
-
(819)
402,619
97,358		 Total
2024
£
6,330
494,466
(819)
499,977

FAMILY CARE ADOPTION SERVICES (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

24 Analysis of net assets between funds (Continued)

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
At 31 March 2023:
Tangible assets
7,913
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
346,311
156,952
Long term liabilities
(2,774)
(1,024)
351,450
155,928		 Total
2023
£
7,913
503,263
(3,798)
507,378

25 Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

A portion of grants received may become repayable if the charity fails to comply with the terms of the relevant letters of offer.

The charity may, in the future, be required to make additional pension contributions in respect of the multiemployer scheme deficit as disclosed in notes 12 to 14.

26 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

27

Cash generated from operations
(Deficit)/surpus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
(Decrease) in deferred income
Cash generated from operations		 2024
£
(7,401)
(2,707)
1,583
14,761
4,886
(205)
10,917		 2023
£
126,270
(195)
1,978
(80,213)
(24,476)
(256)
23,108

28 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charitable company had no material debt during the year.