Can I apply?

Below is all the information you will need if you decide to apply to adopt a child

Applications
Complete an application form which gives basic factual information about yourselves and requires your signatures of consent for statutory references to be obtained.

Statutory references
Statutory references are then taken up with the Probation Service, the Police and the Area Health Authority. The law requires such enquiries to be made to see if there is any known reason why you should not be considered as prospective adopters.

Personal references
Two personal references are required from people who have known you well over a period of years. It is preferable that they are people in your age range and are parents themselves, with whose children you have contact.

The purpose of these reference is to assess you as potential parents. The referees also may be part of your support network when children are placed with you.

They will be asked to provide a written reference and will also be visited by the adoption works.

Medicals
You will be required to be medically examined by your own doctor on the understanding that the forms are sent to the medical adviser to the Adoption Panel. You will be required to meet the cost of this medical examination. The medical adviser will comment on your suitability to adopt.

Home Study
Whilst all the above information is being sought, the adoption worker will be making a number of visits to you at home. If in a couple, you will also be seen at least once separately. If you are parents already your child's or children's views will be important too, so their opinions will be sought.

You will be given homework to prepare you for this important change in your life. There will be background reading and videos left with you. Suggested book lists are available, as are magazines and the opportunity to join an adoptive parents support group. There will be group meetings of adopters and visits can be arranged to meet experienced adopters in your area.

You will need to do some research into what local amenities are available, eg health centres, schools, clubs and activities for the young etc. You will be invited to attend a short preparation course with other potential adopters.

The home study is far more than looking at the sort of house you live in and other facts about your life. It looks at you as an individual, as a couple, with or without children, your lifestyle, strengths and weaknesses, as well as thinking more deeply about the sort of child who would fit into your family.

A detailed report will be presented to the Adoption Panel which you will have opportunity to read.

The Adoption Panel
This normally meets twice a month. It is a body of experienced people with a broad knowledge of adoption and the range of children who are placed with families. A recommendation is made by this panel as to whether or not applicants should be approved as adoptive parents. They also agree and recommend the age range and the type of children that they should be approved for. The social worker will present a report and be prepared to answer questions. The panel may ask for further information before making its recommendation.

The process from making a formal application to the Adoption Panel's decision will usually take five to six months.