Guide To Adoption [Infographic]

Georgia Davies https://www.browells.co.uk 3m 705 #adoption

The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.

Adopting A Child

Being a parent and raising a child is a very responsible duty, because you are accountable to shape the character & future of an individual. Not just that you should be mentally & physically ready to nurture a child. It’s not an easy venture. We all think having a child and upbringing comes naturally. Yes, it does, but raising a kid of character, is intricate. It demands lot of patience & grit to teach a kid of life and to be veracious, confident and courageous.

You have to be prepared to give the tiny being all the unconditional love, security, loving home & above all your time. And if you are thinking to start or extend the family through adoption, then this venture could be slightly overwhelming.

Adoption process could be intimidating for new or to be parents for its legalities and boundless meetings.

Here is an infographic which throws light on the prerequisites of the adoption process and will ease of the burden of your mind. It will also guide you to the path to start a blissful family.

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GUIDE TO ADOPTION

THINKING ABOUT ADOPTION?

This guide will give you the basics so that when you’re ready to take the next step, you have the confidence and knowledge to do so.

LOOKED AFTER CHLDREN

There were 70,440 children in care 31 March 2016, compared to 69,540 in 2014.

OF THESE:

• 6% were unaccompanied asylum seekers
• 75% were from a White British background.
• 74% were in a foster placement.
• 5% of the children looked after were under the age of 1.

ADOPTION FROM CARE

YEAR

2015 – Adopted children: 5360

2014 – Adopted children: 4690

GENDER

53% male

47% female

THE PROCESS OF ADOPTION

1. ENQUIRY

CAN I ADOPT
Chances are, yes. There’s no such thing as a “perfect” or “typical” adopter. Everyone is unique and so are the children waiting to be adopted.

GATHER INFORMATION
Gather as much information as you can at this point. Keep a notebook for any research and a folder for any info packs.

ATTEND AN INFORMATION EVENT
Meeting people face to face and asking the questions you may have thought of after reading paper based information, is an important step.

CHOOSE AN AGENCY
To adopt, you can go through an adoption agency that’s part of your local council, or a voluntary adoption agency.

INITIAL INTERVIEW WITH A SOCIAL WORKER
You may have the opportunity to meet with a social worker before you decide to apply.

2. REGISTRATION

COMPLETE A REGISTRATION FORM
This is where all the paperwork begins. Once submitted, statutory checks will start, references will be obtained and you may be asked to attend a preparation course.

3. ASSESSMENT

HOME STUDY
Your allocated social worker will complete a home assessment with you. They will write up a report and present it to the adoption panel.

TRAINING
There may be further training for you and your support network, including a family and friends workshop.

4. MATCHING AND PLACEMENT

FINDING YOUR FAMILY
You’ll be linked to child(ren), which will then be approved by the adoption panel.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU
There’ll be introductions and visits lasting up to 2 weeks to enable you to and the child(ren) to get to know each other.

PLACEMENT
The child(ren) will come to live with you in your home.

5. FINDING YOUR FEET

BECOMING A PARENT
During this time, both you and your chil(ren) will be settling in and getting comfortable with one another.

SUPPORT
There’ll be continuous support and reviews to help the transition.

IT’S OFFICIAL

The Legal Adoption order and Celebration hearing will take place between 3-12 months after this placement begins.

6. ONGOING SUPPORT

More training, support groups, and access to therapeutic services.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The application costs around £160 in England and Wales and is a one-off fee.

If you choose to see a solicitor for advice they may charge you after an initial meeting.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET TURNED DOWN TO ADOPT.

You can challenge the decision by writing to the adoption agency and also apply to the Independent Review Mechanism, which will look into your case.

You can try a different agency but will need to start the process again from the beginning.

Browell Smith & Co
SOLICITORS LTD
Est. 1995

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