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Adoption is a life changing experience.

Introduction to adoption                 Prearation, training and support

Steps to adopt                                Frequently Asked Questions

The children                                    Find out more

Adoption is one of the most challenging as well as the most rewarding ways of making a difference to a child’s life.

Adoption is a lifelong commitment providing a loving, permanent family for a child or children who cannot return to their birth family. When you adopt you take on all the legal rights and responsibilities for your child.

People are welcomed from many different backgrounds and family structures

Adopters are:

• ·Over 21
• ·Married, single or in a partnership, including a same sex relationship.
• ·Any race or ethnic origin
• ·In or out of work
• ·Practising a religion, or not
• ·Disabled or non-disabled
• ·Living in their own home or rented accommodation

To find out more click here  (104.66 KB)

10 Steps to Adoption

The process of preparation and assessment will be thorough and careful to ensure only safe people are approved as adopters.

1. Initial enquiry
2. Information meeting
3. First home visit
4. Adoption preparation
5. Post preparation visit
6. Assessment
7. The adoption panel
8. Matching and proposing a placement
9. Placement
10. The adoption order

For more information on the 10 steps to adoption click here  (168.45 KB)

Remember that at any time you are able to withdraw from the process if you do not feel it is right for you and your family.

Who are the children that need adopting?

There are children of all ages who need adoptive parents, from toddlers to teenagers. We sometimes look for adoptive families for babies, those babies almost always have complex issues in their background. One thing all children who need to be adopted have in common, is that their family are unable to care for them.

There are many reasons why children need adoption, but quite often it is because they have suffered abuse or neglect. Children who need adoption may also have physical or learning disabilities.

To find out more about the children click here  (140.86 KB)

Preparation, training and support

If you express an interest to adopt we will treat you with fairness and respect. Carers can be assured of support and advice before, during and after a child has been placed.

To find out more about Preperation, training and support click here  (108.49 KB)

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to adopt?

The adoption panel’s recommendation about the suitability of the prospective adopter to adopt a child should be made within eight months of the receipt of a formal application. Once you have been approved the next process is the matching process, which can take between a couple of weeks to over a year. It is important that we find the right family for each of our children.

What support will I get?

It is important to work together in partnership so the child gets the best possible start in their new life. We offer support, advice and information to adoptive families. We can also put you in touch with other adopters, as often that is where adopters find their most valuable support.

Find out more

If you feel that you have the patience, experience and understanding that is needed to become a foster carer then please contact us to find out more:

Telephone: 0800 028 2158

Email: cs-adoption&fostering@worcestershire.gov.uk

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Get in touch with our Contact Centre:
Call: 0845 607 2000  or  Email: socialcare@worcestershire.gov.uk
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