Thinking of adopting? You’re about to embark on an incredible journey, one that will hopefully end with you becoming an adoptive parent to a wonderful child. It may feel like a daunting process, a near impenetrable maze of paperwork and procedure when you’re just starting out, but it’s a crucial step toward your goal that can certainly be complicated.
Thankfully, we’re here to help you see through the fog, breaking down the key steps to the earliest stages of the adoptive process. With our help; we aim to achieve your dream of becoming an adoptive parent as soon as we possibly can.
Exploration
The earliest stage of the adoption process is in exploration. At this stage, it’s all about gathering as much information as possible, both on the nature of adoption and the adoption process itself. Look into online resources, books and guides that will no doubt offer you guidance and knowledge, giving you a headstart. Then, once you’re ready, you’ll be able to start making contact with adoption agencies.
Application
Once you’ve decided upon an adoption agency that you’re happy with, it’s time to start the application process! At this stage, you will be subjected to your first round of checks and assessments. Your application will include permissions to allow background checks to be carried out on your person, including DBS checks, criminal reports and medical history. It might seem like a chore, but it’s the first real step in becoming an adoptive parent.
Assessment
Now your application has been approved, you’ll be ready to enter the assessment process. This is a four-month-long process that includes individual assessments, preparation groups and home visits from a social worker. The social worker will have a conversation with you, essentially a casual interview, that will determine whether you’re an appropriate candidate. Questions will often revolve around your own childhood experiences, and how they may shape your own style of parenting.
Matching
Once you’ve made it successfully through the assessment process, the search can finally begin to match you with an adoptive child. If you’ve been approved by a VAA, (voluntary adoption agency), they will begin the process to seek out the best possible match for you and the prospective child. A proven method of letting these agencies know about you and the child you hope to adopt, is to create a brief parent profile. This will be where you can offer information on yourself, your reasons to adopt, or any skills or experiences that you would bring to the role of an adoptive parent.
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