The adoption process: application and assessment
Although different councils and agencies have slightly different ways of doing things, this is a basic guide to how the process will work.
1. First contact - Once you've made the decision to adopt, contact your local agency. A list of local agencies can be found on the Adoption UK website. They will then send out an information pack and you'll be invited to attend an 'information event' to find out more about the process.
2. Home visit - A member of the Adoption Services Team will visit you at home. This is your chance to ask more detailed questions and allows the social worker to get to know you and what you can offer a child. You will be asked about why you want to adopt and what you expect.
3. Adoption application - You will now need to fill in an official adoption form. It'll ask you all about your personal circumstances including your age, your home and family background, your doctor's contact details, any criminal convictions and names of people who can vouch for you.
4. Checks process - This is when you will be asked to go for a health check-up, which all would-be adopters must agree to. Your medical history will be examined and police checks will be made. Referees will also be contacted.
5. Training course - Now you will be asked to go to a 'Preparation training course'. It's really just a chance for you to learn more about the whole adoption from people who have already adopted, birth parents, adoptees and any relevant people.
6. Home assessment - A social worker will assess how suitable you are to adopt through a number of interviews, usually six. It's not meant to be scary or intimidating. Some of the sessions will be at home and will be about your own childhood, lifestyle and background as well as your views on being a parent and again why you want to adopt.
7. The report - After a number of chats with you, the social worker will write a detailed assessment about your potential to be an adopter. You're allowed to see this report and change anything that's factually incorrect. You can also make comments on it.
Read on for Steps 8-11: the decision making process
Where next?
- Adoption myths
- Pregnancy and health
Sources and other help:
- www.adoptionuk.com
- After Adoption support group
- Department for children, schools and families
- British Association for Adoption and Fostering
- www.bemyparent.org.uk
By Vicky Woollaston
Average rating:
