Adoption - what we require
All applicants must demonstrate a commitment to be open in their
parenting of a child/children regarding their birth history in
full. Children can often feel conflicting and difficult emotions in
relation to contact issues and applicants must be able to help the
child/children work through these issues and maintain a link with
their past.
We particularly welcome interest from people who can offer a
home to:
- Children 4 years and older
- Brothers and sisters
- Children with uncertain developmental futures
- Children of black or mixed race
Children often require adopters to help them live with the
trauma of loss, separation or the effects of maltreatment. This may
include responding to complex needs and sometimes behavioural
difficulties.
People who have already parented and have older children are
also particularly encouraged to apply.
Adopted children need a stable, safe and nurturing home life and
you must have the ability to parent a child throughout their
childhood to independence. You should also offer a home with
adequate physical space and the child should have their own
bedroom.
Generally we require that one of the adopters be at home for 9
months, preferably at least one year to care for young children. If
you are adopting as a couple this can be shared between you,
however, the needs of the child/children must remain the paramount
consideration.
Adopters are expected to promote a child's educational needs, be
sensitive to their rights to confidentiality around their history
and protect a child from prejudice wherever possible.
Pre-adoption training
Applicants must attend four days of ‘preparation to adopt
training’ prior to the completion of their assessment and
preferably before the assessment begins. The assessment process
needs to be approached in an open and honest manner with adopters
prepared to discuss personal and possibly difficult experiences in
their lives.