Adoption allowance

[Ladyofthehouse]

I've posted a few times but after some general opinions or advice really! Adopted our DD's just over a year ago - they were aged 2.5 and 1.5 at the time. I took the full year off of work which I had agreed to when they were placed and was happy to! The handover from FC was not easy at all and there were lots of issues. Our eldest DD had been in a number of different homes (in care for over 2 years) and we had read some very worrying reports on her needing psychological help etc.

Anyway towards the end of my adoption leave our SW approached us about me giving up work until both our DD's had started school. They felt that the change in our eldest DD was down to her finding stability for the first time and for me to go back to work could undo some of this.

We were paid an allowance for each child - this was about 40% of my salary so life has been tough but we've seen it as a positive step. In the meantime I have been using the time to retrain in another area ready when they both go to school next year.

It has now come to light that the payments were for 1 year so have come to an end in the last week - we are stuck! Our SW has said she thought the same as us but the paperwork we have is not clear - there are dates on it but we thought these were review dates as it was to be reviewed once a year. She took us through it so if she thought that then why would we think differently?!

My question is what would you do now?? We are panicking as the loss in income is substantial but don't know who we should contact - had no response from emails or phone calls from our SW or managers for the last week. What position should we take? As far as I can see our DD is not 'cured' - she still struggles massively with any change....and I wouldn't have given up a good job without thinking it would have been for a more positive outcome for our DD's?

Sorry for the long post but don't want to drip feed!

[SoonToBeSix]

As an adult who was adopted child myself you may have to accept your dd will always need you at home as a Sahm. You can never guarantee you dc won't need you at home whether they are adopted or not even if it means things are tough financially.

[birdandbee]

I'm sure someone else more in the know about adoption specific options will message in a mo...

But have you thought about benefits.... ? Or Prehaps coming to some compromise... Could you get a part time night job such as a carer or HCA in hospital? Put your girls to bed then be home for breakfast... Sleep when they are at nursery?? I'm assuming they are at nursery as they get free funding from 2 years if they have been adopted...

[MerryInthechelseahotel]

That's awful. I would push and push. This is something that should be reviewed each year not ended like that.

Are you in scotland because here a verbal agreement is binding but I think it's probably not the case in other places.

Can you talk to threaten them about you speaking with a solicitor and/or your MP/ newspapers?

Hope it works out

[birdandbee]

I'm sure someone else more in the know about adoption specific options will message in a mo...

But have you thought about benefits.... ? Or Prehaps coming to some compromise... Could you get a part time night job such as a carer or HCA in hospital? Put your girls to bed then be home for breakfast... Sleep when they are at nursery?? I'm assuming they are at nursery as they get free funding from 2 years if they have been adopted...

[SoonToBeSix]

As an adult who was adopted child myself you may have to accept your dd will always need you at home as a Sahm. You can never guarantee you dc won't need you at home whether they are adopted or not even if it means things are tough financially.

[SoonToBeSix]

Sorry phone problems

[Inyourface]

I would put your concerns in writing. Address it to the head of social services and adoption team manager.

I have had an adoption allowance for a year and I have just had to fill in a very detailed form and provide bank statements etc to review it. I don't know if I will get it for the next year but am relying on it so know how you feel!

I have had so many childminders over the years for my adopted dc so that I can work and I think it has been really disruptive for them. I wish I had always been at home for them. They need stability and routine more than other children.

[GirlsWhoWearGlasses]

We were told that qualifying for the Additional Adoption Allowance, which sounds like what you're talking about, would last until our DD turned 18.

It's means-tested, so we don't get it, but the principle holds her whole childhood, if you see what I mean.

So if we did qualify, any review would about our financial circumstances. If your circumstances haven't changed, neither should the Adoption Allowance.

I would challenge immediately, in writing. Go to the Head of Service, this isn't something your SW can control.

[Ladyofthehouse]

Thank you for your responses. What a difference a day makes!! Managed to get hold of the right person today....more by luck as she was covering someone's phone!! We were ready to have to argue the case but she said yep you're right!

We have it in writing now to last another year which is what was originally agreed. We thought we were going to have loads of problems....so pleased!

Amazing when something works out right for once....feel a bit bad for doubting the system!!

[Ladyofthehouse]

Thank you for your responses. What a difference a day makes!! Managed to get hold of the right person today....more by luck as she was covering someone's phone!! We were ready to have to argue the case but she said yep you're right!

We have it in writing now to last another year which is what was originally agreed. We thought we were going to have loads of problems....so pleased!

Amazing when something works out right for once....feel a bit bad for doubting the system!!

[Italiangreyhound]

Perfect, how great.

[HappySunflower]

What a relief for you!

[64x32x24]

Very good news!

[GirlsWhoWearGlasses]

Brilliant news! Well done

[MerryInthechelseahotel]

That's brilliant well done!