Adoption

What Happens When You Contact Wrexham Adoption Agency?

STEP ONE

A social worker will discuss your interest in adoption and share information with you probably over the telephone in the first instance. The social worker will be able to tell you if we are currently recruiting new adoptive parents for the age of the child that you are considering.

STEP TWO

A social worker will make arrangements with you, to meet in your home, to talk in more detail about adoption.

Many enquirers decide from the outset that they wish to 'shop around' several adoption agencies, in order to find the agency that they would like to proceed with. However, only one formal application can be made to any one agency at any one time.

The primary responsibility of Adoption Agencies is to meet the needs of the children who require permanent family placements. Therefore they cannot always provide a service for childless couples. This can sometimes lead enquirers to feel that they have been told that they are not suitable to parent a child. This is not the case.

How Are People Prepared For The Tasks Of Adoptive Parenting?

(i) PREPARATION COURSES

All prospective adopters are invited to take part in a preparation course in order to learn more about adoption. Adoption workers lead the course. There is usually ample opportunity during these meetings to talk to adoptive parents and learn about their experiences of family life, and how life has changed since the child's arrival. Other invited speakers also play a part in the course.

(ii) HOME STUDY

Following the preparation course the Home Study begins. This is a further opportunity for you and the your social worker to explore whether adoption is the path to take at this time. The relationship you develop with your social worker will enable you to discover what is likely to be the best match for you.

Applicants may be asked to compile a portfolio of evidence of competence with regard to some of the tasks regarding adoption. Your assessor will help, guide and support you throughout the process.

To conclude the Home Study the worker will compile a report, which is shared with you. They will also interview your previously chosen referees. The agency undertakes police checks and a series of other statutory checks and a full medical will also be required. Your report will then be presented to the adoption panel for approval. You may choose to attend this panel.