Adoption Process and Post-Adoption Support: What to Expect
Starting your adoption journey is a big decision, filled with anticipation, hope, and a desire to provide a loving home for a child. At Adopt Birmingham, we understand the importance of guiding prospective adoptive parents through every step of the process, from initial enquiries to post-adoption support.
In this blog article, we’ll walk you through the adoption process and shed some light on the variety of support services available to ensure a successful and fulfilling adoption journey for you and your adopted child. Learn what to expect during the adoption process and how you will be supported once the process is finalised.
How to adopt
At Adopt Birmingham, our adoption process consists of the following 8 steps:
Step 1: Finding out about adoption: get in touch to let us know you’re interested and find out if you meet our minimum requirements.
Step 2: An initial meeting: meet with a social worker to discuss yourself and your circumstances and find out more about what it means to adopt.
Step 3: Initial checks and preparation training: we carry out several checks over the course of a few weeks, and you attend prep training to learn how to support an adopted child.
Step 4: Assessment and further learning: decide if you want to continue, and if so, complete an assessment with your social worker.
Step 5: Approval: find out if you are approved to adopt.
Step 6: Matching with a child: your social worker will help to find the best possible match for you.
Step 7: The first meeting: meet your child for the first time and get to know them through subsequent meetings, with support.
Step 8: Moving in: your child moves in to live with you, and your social worker can support you through the adjustment.
Post-adoption
We work with you to create an Adoption Support Plan based on the unique needs of you and your child. It may include access to specialised support and advice, tailored to your requirements.
You will have the opportunity to attend workshops that are co-led by adopters. These cover a wide range of topics that may be helpful for you such as, therapeutic parenting and parenting a child who is affected by Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
You will also receive a one-year membership to CATCH, an online community of information and support for adopters, special guardians, and foster carers; or New Family Social if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Our commitment to post-adoption support goes beyond just the adoption process. We are committed to providing lifelong support to adopted children and adoptive families. The transition into parenthood through adoption can present its own challenges, and our dedicated team is here to provide ongoing guidance, useful resources, and assistance to make sure your family is supported.
Contact Adopt Birmingham today to enquire about the adoption process and find out more about the support we can offer.