How we support you in adoption
Once you are approved as an adopter your social worker will keep
in touch and let you know about children who need families. It is
not a question of who is at the top of the list but which child or
children "fit" best with which approved individual or family.
Bringing up an adopted child is not always easy and from time to
time you may need support or advice. You can request to be assessed
for a whole range of support services before and after the Adoption
Order has been made. We are here to support you and your adopted
child.
Once a child has been identified as a possible match, your
social worker and the child's social worker will meet with you to
explain about the child's background and needs. You will also
receive a written report about the child to ensure you have all the
necessary information to enable you to decide whether you wish to
proceed.
When you have been provisionally matched with a child or
children the adoption panel has to recommend whether you are the
right family for that particular child. Should there be no suitable
matches available within Peterborough, we will, after three months,
search regionally and ensure your name is added to the Adoption
Register of prospective adopters which operates nationally.
Adopters approved by Peterborough City Council often have children
placed from other areas.
Adoption support services
Our adoption support services are designed to meet the needs of
children who have been or may be adopted and people who have
adopted or may adopt a child. Each child who awaits adoption will
have an assessment of need. Prior to the proposed match between the
child and prospective adoptive family being presented to the
adoption panel, an adoption support plan will be agreed. It will
set out clearly the objectives of the plan and the key services to
be provided, time scales, responsible workers and their roles. The
adoption support plan will be reviewed and revised as required.
Adoption Support is not always necessary immediately; therefore
adopters are encouraged to seek support when they feel it is
required. You will be invited to locally based support groups where
you will meet others who are waiting to be matched and families who
have already adopted. Guest speakers are invited from time to time
to these meetings to share their experiences and expertise in areas
relating to all aspects of adoption.
Sometimes the best form of support comes from other adopters. We
can introduce you to experienced adopters who will share their
knowledge and offer support and advice. We also work closely with
other professionals and agencies that can provide independent
advice and support.
Financial assistance
Prospective adopters are expected to be financially responsible
for the child from time of placement. You will be eligible to claim
Child Benefit from the date of placement and other Government
benefits and allowances as applicable to your personal
circumstances.
In certain circumstances a child may be eligible for regular
financial support. Any allowance paid will be means-tested and is
reviewed annually your social worker can give you more details.
During or prior to introductions our adoption team may make an
initial settling in grant as we know how expensive getting started
can be. We can advise you on Statutory Adoption Leave and
pay.