What is involved in getting approved as an adopter with a Voluntary Adoption Agency?
Each agency will vary but most will follow this general process:
You can normally expect to be presented for approval as an adopter in about 6-8 months from making an application. Once a child is placed with you, most adoption orders are granted within 6-12 months.
First contact will usually involve you being sent some leaflets/brochures telling you about the agency.
An interview with social workers to find out more about you and to answer your questions.
An invite to preparation training which tells you more about what adoption entails.
A decision made between you and the agency about whether you proceed with them or not. If you do proceed, you will fill in an application form.
You will be allocated a social worker who will work with you to complete your assessment.
Your assessment report is presented to an independent panel who make a recommendation to a senior manager about your suitability to be an adopter or not
A decision is made about your suitability to adopt.
Once approved, you work with your social worker to find a placement that fits your family and meets the needs of the child(ren).
Any potential help and support your family will need to meet the needs of any child placed is identified.
You will continue to be supported by your social worker and the child’s social worker up to the point of a court hearing granting an adoption order.
You have post adoption order support if you want and need it.