What happens next?

Information pack

You will be sent an information pack, which gives details about adoption and includes a Detailed Information form for you to complete and return to us.

Detailed Information Form

On receipt of this a Social Worker will make an appointment to visit you in your home to ensure that adoption is right for you and your family.

Initial Counselling and Information home visit

A social worker will visit you in your own home to discuss your interest in Adoption. During this meeting you will be given information about the children who need adoptive families, the process of adoption and the priorities that Staffordshire currently have in terms of processing enquiries from Prospective adopters. The social worker will look round your home to ensure that there are no safety concerns and that you have sufficient space for a child.

Statutory Checks

If, following the home visit, we feel that it is appropriate for you to proceed and you wish to do so, we will then take up statutory checks – e.g. Criminal Records Bureau (police checks), Health Authority, Probation and personal references.

Attend Preparation Course

You will be required to attend a Preparation Course. These take place on three full days usually over the period of a week. The course will go into more depth about what is involved in Adoption and you will have the opportunity to hear from people who have already adopted.

Application to Adopt

Following the course, if you wish to proceed we ask you to make your formal ‘Application to adopt.'

Home Assessment

This will be a series of meetings in your own home with a Social Worker who will be allocated to you. These meetings will explore in more detail the skills and qualities you are able to offer as an Adopter. This requires open and honest discussions between yourself and the Social Worker in order for them to complete a detailed report called the 'Prospective Adopters Report'. You will have the opportunity to read this report and comment on it if you so wish.

The Adoption Panel

The Prospective Adopters Report is presented to the Adoption Panel by your Social Worker. You are encouraged to attend the Adoption Panel, if you wish to do so. The Panel will make a recommendation as to whether or not you are approved as Adopters.

This Social Worker will support you throughout the whole process.

Adoption Agency

The Adoption Agency has a Decision-Maker. In Staffordshire this is currently the Assistant Director Children and Lifelong Learning (Vulnerable children) who considers the recommendations of the Adoption Panel and makes the final decision as to whether or not you are approved as Adopters. You will then be notified in writing of this decision.

What happens once you are approved as an Adopter?