If you are interested in Adopting

• Call the freephone line (0800 052 0078) or complete the online form to receive an information pack ...
• Information pack sent ...
• Contact the Duty Team on the freephone if you wish to pursue ...
• Invitation to information session ...
• Initial assessment ...

The initial assessment will determine whether or not the adoption team progress your adoption application at this time.

Once an initial assessment has been completed you will be invited to an Adoption Preparation course. An adoption social worker will be allocated to undertake your assessment.

The assessment can begin before, during and after your attendance at the Preparation Group. An adoption social worker will be linked to you to undertake the assessment. The assessment will involve you working with the adoption social worker to explore:

• Your background – considering your childhood experiences, and how it impacts on your life today
• Your health
• Your finances – you do not need to be wealthy – you can be on benefits. We need to check that you can financially support a child in your home, or if you may require adoption financial support to do so
• Any disability – how this may affect your parenting and what support you may need to care for an adopted child
• Criminal offences – not all offences stop you from adopting, but we would want to discuss your circumstances to ensure your suitability to care for a child through adoption