What is adoption?
Adoption is a process which allows someone other than the child's birth father and mother to become their parents. It is a legal procedure in which all the parental responsibilities are transferred to the adopters.
What is the need in Aberdeenshire for families for children?
Adoption is very different from how it used to be: very few young babies are available for adoption, and there is a need for secure and stable adoptive homes for children of all ages. Our greatest need is beyond babyhood, particularly for family groups of two or more children, and occasionally for children who have a physical or learning disability. Many of the children we place will exhibit challenging behaviour.
We are particularly seeking to recruit families for children in the 5-8 age range.
Prospective adopters should be aware that many of the children we seek to place are in complicated legal situations, which may take some time to resolve.
There is now much more openness in adoption: sometimes the birth parents and adoptive parents may meet before the placement, and the child may have contact throughout their childhood, possibly face to face or by letter.
Who can Adopt?
Aberdeenshire Council promotes non-discriminatory practices in all its Services and seeks individuals or couples from a variety of backgrounds who can make a permanent commitment to a child or children who need a new family for life.
Applicants should normally be at least 23 years of age, single or married. Couples should be married at the point of their application for at least 3 years, or have co-habited prior to marriage for a similar period. Someone who is married may apply on their own if their spouse cannot be found, or if they are permanently separated and living apart, or because of ill health the spouse is incapable of applying.
There is no upper age limit, although if an Adoption Order is applied for in Scotland, the Sheriff must consider whether the age difference between the adopters and the child is 'normal'. Adopters need to have sufficient health and vigour to be able to bring up a child at least until early adulthood, so age are factors to be considered.
How do I find out more?
Our first step is generally to send an information pack. If you wish to receive a pack please:
Email adoption@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or
Telephone us on 01467 625555
The pack will include a copy of Aberdeenshire's Adoption Policy.
When you register your interest with us, a Social Worker will offer an informal discussion, give you information including the current needs of children in Aberdeenshire and help you to consider what adoption will mean for you. We hope this might help you to decide whether you wish to proceed further.
The National Care Standards for adoption agencies set out what you can expect from the service you receive from Aberdeenshire Council.
What happens if I wish to proceed?
You will be asked to attend a "Preparation For Adoption" training course.
The next training will be run in May 2008, based in Aberdeen, and will focus on the needs of children aged 5 - 10 who need permanent care. If you have an interest in attending, please register your interest with us so that we can invite you to the training.
We ask that all applicants attend our adoption preparation course. The course offers the opportunity to learn more about adoption.
The training includes:
- the reasons why children become available for adoption
- understanding children's growth and development
- the impact of difficult early life experiences on the child's ability to develop an attachment to their new family
- medical issues
- legal issues
- the ongoing support and information that adopted children need about birth families
- parenting issues
- an opportunity to meet with adoptive parents, adopted people, birth parents, and usually someone who has adopted from another country
The focus of the course is preparation for adoptive parenthood.
After the course the Social Worker will supply you with an application form, which will be completed and returned to your local Social Work office.
Checks of Police and Social Work records are always carried out and anyone in the household who is over 16 years of age. If you have any convictions, then it is wise to discuss these at an early stage.
A medical check is requested to ensure that you are fit and well enough to care for children
You will be asked to provide the names of referees who can comment on your suitability to care for children. A Health and Safety check of your home will be undertaken as well as any other checks relevant to your situation which may include an employment reference.
A Social Worker will visit you and your family over a period of time to assess your suitability, and complete a Home Study Report in partnership with you. The whole process, including training, might take up to a year.
What happens next?
The Home Study Report will be presented to the Aberdeenshire Council Permanence Panel. You will be invited to attend part of the meeting to discuss your application. The Panel's recommendation is passed to the Head of Social Work (Child Care and Criminal Justice) who will make a decision within 14 days.
Aims of Adoption Service
Aberdeenshire Council is registered with the Care Commission as an adoption agency.
Representations and Complaints
Whilst it is Aberdeenshire Council's intention to provide a good service, if you have any issues regarding representation or complaint, please ask for the leaflet 'Have Your Say: Compliments, Comments and Complaints'. The leaflet is available from all Social Work Offices.
As Aberdeenshire Council Fostering and Adoption Service is regulated by the Care Commission, you may also make a complaint to:
The Care Commission,
Johnston House, Rose Street,
Aberdeen,
AB10 1UD
Tel: 01224 793870.
