The adoption process: decision making

8. Adoption panel - This is a group of people who are usually staff at the agency.

They consider each adoption and make recommendations, firstly, on whether you should be approved and secondly for what age group, religion, ethnicity and number of children. You can attend this discussion if you want.

9. The Decision Maker - Although the adoption panel can make recommendations, the decision maker has the final say. They're usually a very senior member of staff with a lot of childcare experience. The decision must be made within seven working days and you must be told, in writing, within another five. If you're unhappy with the decision you can appeal it.

If you're not approved you'll be told why. You can then write to the adoption agency and ask that they reconsider. You have to give your reasons as to why you think they should. Or you can apply to the Independent Review Mechanism for a review. You can also apply through another agency, where possible. Read on for some reasons why applications are turned down

10. Placement - Once you've been approved the agency will decide on an Adoption Placement Plan. This plan will include meeting the child and adoption support. The child will come to live with you and you will share parental responsibility with the agency and the birth parents, for the time being.

11. Adoption Order - Once the child has been with you for at least ten weeks the agency will apply for an adoption order from the courts. Once processed you have full parental responsibility for the child, although the agency can give you counselling, financial support if necessary and any other services you or the child need.

This whole process should take about ten months from start to finish, although if there's any problems or you're unhappy with anything it might take longer.

If you're looking to adopt your partner's child the process is slightly different. Find out why

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
- Independent Review Mechanism

By Vicky Woollaston