The route to adoption
Step 1- Complete the on line adoption enquiry form or call 0151 233 3700 for an adoption information pack.
Step 2 - Within 5 working days a member of the adoption team will call you to discuss basic criteria - home, health, background etc.
Step 3 - You will be invited to attend an Adoption Information Event to meet the adoption team, find out more and speak to people who've adopted in a relaxed atmosphere over a cup of coffee.
Step 4 - If you appear to be in a position to be considered to adopt via our agency and if you are still keen to proceed a Social Worker will visit you at home to discuss your expectations, background and health in more detail.
Step 5 - If you appear to have the potential to adopt you will be invited to attend the preparation and assessment days. We find out more about you and you will learn skills to help parent adopted children.
Step 6 - The Home Study will begin which is a series of home visits where you will begin to complete the assessment report together with the Social Worker. Your referees will be contacted and police, probation and other checks will be completed.
Step 7 -The Adoption Panel - Your completed Prospective Adopter's report will be presented to the panel. 19 out of 20 applications received by the panel are approved.
Step 8 - Linking Meetings are held to discuss and consider the children awaiting adoptive placements and the approved adopters. If approved the Social Worker will discuss the children with you, there may be a child that could be matched to you. Once the panel has approved the match, introductions are made and there is a period of time for getting to know each other.
Step 9 - The Moving In Day arrives and the child comes to live with you. Continued support from the Social Worker will reassure you during the settling in period.
Step 10 - The final step is for your application to be submitted to the court, this takes place 10 weeks after the child is placed with you. If the adoption order is granted this ends the child's legal relationship with their birth family and makes you their legal parents.