Reforms in adoption mean you can be approved in 6 months
Local adoption specialists Families for Children are heightening their search for potential adopters across Devon as new government reforms in the adoption process this month means a shorter time to become an adoptive parent.
Graham Pellew, Deputy CEO of Families for Children says: “For years we have battled the myth that becoming an adoptive parent can take years. It has always been a common misconception with adoption that the process is long and drawn out when in fact in the past if you applied to adopt through Families for Children there was no initial waiting time before we would start your assessment and the majority of our adopters prior to these reforms were approved within 6-8 months.
"The new two-stage adopter approval process now in place across the country will speed up the time it takes to approve prospective adopters to just 6 months.”
Whilst these reforms will have excellent benefits for potential adopters and will allow the Agency to share resources with Local Authorities, Families for Children still stress the need for more potential adopters to come forward to accommodate the growing number of children currently in Local Authority care. In fact the shortage of adopters across the country is critical.
Figures out in May suggested that there are currently 4650 children waiting to be adopted in the UK which out strips those people currently approved to adopt. These figures have actually increased by 820 each year over the last two years.
It has been reported that in order to prevent further growth in these numbers an additional 600 adopters need to be recruited nationwide each year. It is vital that Families for Children continue their work in finding potential adoptive families. It is hoped the reforms will help attract those who may have been put off in the past because of the lengthy process associated with approval.
Graham continues: “The Agency doesn’t deny that the adoption process can be an challenging one and will examine every aspect of your life but with good reason. If you speak to any family who has adopted they understand why certain aspects of their lives had to be discussed during the process however painful or emotional they may be. Families for Children are completely open at the start of the adoption assessment about what it will entail, its highs and its lows. Their experienced team of social workers are dedicated to ensuring your adoption journey is a positive one.”
As a specialist adoption agency, Families for Children have always been able to offer a complete range of services both pre and post adoption. Over the past few years their role in adoption has changed and they are keen to let people know about the services they offer. Historically they have been seen to only place older children, sibling groups and children with extra needs however they are now placing children birth to 10 and single children as well as sibling groups. This year to date 44% of children placed by the Agency have been under 2 years olds and in fact 88% of children placed have been 5 and under. (See stats).
Katey McDonald, Marketing coordinator says: “Families for Children continue to grow as the only Voluntary Adoption Agency in the far southwest. We can offer a complete alternative service to that of your Local Authority both in the process of becoming an adopter, placing of a child (ren) in all the age ranges, and especially in our commitment to providing long-term post adoption support, which is unique to us.”
If you would like to learn more about Families for Children and the new two-step assessment process in becoming an approved adopted please come to our next open morning which will be held at our Buckfast office on Saturday 3 August from 10am to noon.
For further information please contact us on 01364 645480 or visit our new website www.familiesforchildren.org.uk
