Adoption

This section sets out the purpose of the adoption service and the procedures for the service including recruiting, approving and supporting prospective adopters and the placement of children for adoption.

We believe that all children and young people have the right to be healthy, happy, and safe; to be loved, valued and respected; and to have high aspirations for their future

.We wish all children to have secure relationships with family, and friends, be eager, excited, curious and engaged in learning, have self confidence, be able to co-operate and communicate socially and have the best possible health and development.

The adoption service aims to identify sufficient adoptive families for children whose care plan is adoption ensuring that individual identified needs of children are met. We work closely with neighbouring authorities and with the National Adoption Register.

We aim to:

provide a full and comprehensive range of quality adoption and adoption support services to all parties affected by the adoption process
ensure that children unable to live with their birth families have the opportunity to attach securely to adopters who are capable of providing safe, supportive care throughout their childhood and beyond
secure positive outcomes for children
ensure that planning is managed to avoid unnecessary delays
ensure the needs, wishes, welfare and safety of the child are at the centre of the recruitment process
work in an anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive way, celebrating diversity.

Every child is entitled to a permanent family throughout their childhood, which should meet all their physical, social and emotional needs and promote a supportive lifelong relationship.

Applications are welcomes from all individuals and families from all parts of the community. Basic requirements are that applicants are:

over 21
in reasonable health
not excluded by being convicted of a serious offence against a child or adult.
Prospective adopters will be welcomed without prejudice, will be responded to promptly and given clear written information about the preparation, assessment and approval procedure and will be treated fairly, openly and with respect.

Recruitment and approval of adopters
This section looks at the policies and procedures which shape the work that is undertaken with prospective adopters from dealing with initial enquiries through to approval at panel.
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Placing children with adopters
This section looks at the policies and procedures that relate to children being placed for adoption and subsequent support that is provided to them and their adopters.
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Statement of Purpose
A statement of purpose ensures compliance with legislation and guidance in respect of the written statement of the aims and policy statement of the Fostering and Adoption Team and of the facilities and services provided.
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Child's Adoption File
Where the Department is considering adoption for a child, the social work team must set up an adoption case record in respect of the child. This should be separate from any pre-existing files maintained on the child.
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Working with Birth Relatives
Having a child adopted is a significant event for birth parents and they will require specific support around this.
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Adopted Adults and their Birth Relatives
Adults who have been adopted as children may need ongoing support , counselling and advice, as may their birth relatives.
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Interagency Adoption Placements
There may be occasions when an inter-agency placement is necessary either as a positive choice because of the particular needs of the child, risk factors or as a matter of necessity to avoid undue delay in making a placement.
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Intercountry Adoption
Those interested in adopting from overseas should be given appropriate assistance and guidance to do so, in compliance with legislation, regulations and standards.
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Relinquished Child Counselling
Knowing that a member of your family is considering relinquishing a child for adoption is often a difficult issue for family members to deal with. The Department will offer support to fmaily members in these circumstances.
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Concurrency Planning
Concurrency planning is supported by leading child care psychiatrists and peadiatricians. The importance of avoiding delay in permanence planning and decision making for children is enshrined best practice. Concurrent planning puts the child's needs at the centre of social work decision-making.
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Adoption

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