The approval process for adopters

The process ... step by step

• Initially, you will be visited by a Family Placement Social Worker who will have preliminary discussions with you about adoption. They will gather information about you, give you details of the assessment process and answer any questions or concerns that you might have.
• You will be invited to attend the next preparation training, where you will learn more about what is involved with adoption. You will meet other people who are going through the same process as you, be able to talk to experienced adopters and hear about the children who need adoptive families.
• We will ask you to complete a detailed application form about yourself and all other members of your household. This form gives us permission to carry out Police, NSPCC, Probation and other checks. The council will carry out these checks to make sure that you have not committed any serious offences that could automatically disqualify you from adopting. You will also need to provide two personal references.
• We will ask you to have a health check with your GP, to show that you don't have any major health problems.
• You will be allocated a Family Placement Social Worker who will arrange regular appointments to meet with you and explain about the skills and qualities that adopters require. During these sessions you and your Supervising Social Worker will discuss a range of subjects related to the needs of the children who want an adoptive family. You can discuss the number, ages and characteristics of the child or children you wish to adopt.
• All the information is compiled by your Social Worker who then writes a report called a 'Form F', outlining your skills, abilities and qualities you have to offer as an adopter. You will be expected to contribute to this report but will be guided by your worker, so it isn't as difficult as it sounds!
• You will be given a copy of the Form F report 28 days before the Adoption Panel, so that you can check that you agree with the contents.
• You will be invited to attend the Adoption Panel with your Social Worker who presents the Form F assessment report. The Panel recommends whether or not to approve you as an adopter and indicates the number, age and gender of children you can adopt. If you are not approved, your Social Worker will discuss the reasons with you and the agency will write to you. You will be able to put forward your own views. Sometimes it is possible to re-apply in the future.