When you adopt a court order transfers all the rights and
responsibilities of the birth parents to you, making you
indistinguishable from any other parent. In Peterborough many
children need adoptive parents. Many are of school age, but
there are also some babies and toddlers, some of which may have an
uncertain development future. Often there are two, three or more
brothers and sisters who need to live and grow up together.
Ultimately through adoption you'll provide a child with a secure,
loving family for life. Like all parenting it can be challenging,
but also one of the most rewarding things you can do.
What else do I need to know?
You are expected to meet the general living cost of a child you
adopt just like any parent. In some circumstances financial support
maybe available, this would depend on the needs of the child
and will be means tested regularly. You may also be entitled
to benefits speak to your social worker or local benefits
advisor.
Ideally you will continue to work in partnership with the
Adoption Support Service, particularly in the first few years, so
that the child gets the best possible start as part of your family.
Adopted children are entitled to the same range of social services
and other support, based on their need, as any child. This could
be, for example, special educational and medical services, as well
as advice or counselling. We aim to ensure you have all the facts
you need to enable you to make the positive choice of adopting a
child.
What is expected of me?
It's very important that you learn as much as possible before
embarking on this rewarding and life changing experience. We
will offer support, along with partner agencies to help you succeed
in achieving security, stability and happiness for your new
family.
Bringing up a child is rewarding and great fun, as well as hard
work. This is especially so when you choose to bring up a child who
was not born to you. You have additional responsibilities towards
the child. They need to know about their past and why they have had
to be adopted, they need to be able to ask questions and discuss
their background with you at different times in their life.
Adopters receive training during their assessment period. This is
designed to provide you, as a prospective adopter, with the
knowledge and information you require to gain a realistic picture
of what's involved in adopting a child or children.
Like any parent, as an adopter you will provide a warm, loving
family. You will also offer tolerance, patience and flexibility to
help your adopted child develop physically, emotionally and
socially. Talking with and listening to the child is very
important, as is being able to approach any challenges in a
sensitive way. Having the confidence to speak up for your child in
order to ensure they receive the very best care and opportunities
is important.
A good sense of humour can also be an asset. It is very
important that you know as much as possible about the child's past,
such as details about his or her background, time in care, school
history and any medical needs. This knowledge will help you
understand the child when they come to live with you, help the
child understand the circumstances of their adoption and help you
find the best way of supporting them in the future.
Contact with the birth family
Most adopted children will have ongoing contact with their birth
family after an adoption order is made, if it is in the child's
best interest. Children may have occasional face to face contact
meetings with their birth family or contact may be through exchange
of letters or photographs once or twice a year.
Every child will need your support with any ongoing contact and
help with their understanding as to why they have been adopted.
During their childhood, their understanding of the adoption will
change and develop. They may wish to find out more about their
origins and may even wish to contact their birth family. From the
age of 18, they can apply for their original birth certificate.
Your understanding throughout their childhood and beyond regarding
these issues is very important. We will facilitate indirect contact
through the Post Box scheme and will assist with any face to face
contact where it has been agreed and there is an agreement.
Under certain circumstances, a single meeting between birth
parent(s) and the adoptive family around the time of placement can
be helpful to all. This will be arranged by the child's social
worker and you will be supported all the way through. We believe in
the importance of children retaining the forename(s) chosen for
them by their birth parents, unless there are very specific reasons
not to do so.
Contact details
For further information contact The Adoption Team on (01733)
317448 or email adoptionenquiries@peterborough.gov.uk.