Moving in – Becoming a family
You and your child(ren) will be supported by a social worker as you get to know each other, start living together and become a family. Initially you will spend time with your child in the foster carer’s home getting to know the child in an environment that is comfortable for the child. You will have […]
Matching with the right child
Once you are approved as a prospective adopter, the next step is to be matched with a child who could thrive in your family. Your social worker is responsible for seeking a potential child among those who are currently waiting. Some prospective adopters are matched with a child quite quickly, but for others it may […]
Assessment, Training & Approval
This marks the beginning of Stage Two which is a 4-month long process during which time you will be assessed and a decision will be made on whether you are suitable to become an adopter. Second time adopters will begin the process at this stage as part of the ‘Fast Track’ Assessment. The training and […]
Registration & Checks
When you have found an agency that you are comfortable with it’s time to formally register your interest to become an adoptive parent and undergo the first round of checks, now known as Stage One. This stage will usually take no longer than two months. Although you can make contact with as many agencies as […]
Exploration
As you begin to decide if being an adoptive parent is right for you, you will want to find out as much information as possible about the nature of adoption and the adoption process. We imagine that’s why you are here! Thankfully there is a lot you can do at the beginning of your journey […]
The adoption process
From the moment you first consider adopting you have begun the adoption process and you are on a journey to discover if it is right for you and what kind of parent you might be. That journey is made together with the social workers and staff at an adoption agency, whose job it is to make […]