Panel

[Sillyshell]

Hi all, am just looking for some support and kind words really :)

We are due to go to panel next week and I am worrying that they are going to turn us down, there is no reason why they would and our social worker is really positive and happy with all the work we have done so far but I cant stop worrying.

[tldr]

If your SW is even halfway competent there's no way you'd be going to panel if you weren't going to get through. If there were any possible issues she would have raised them with you already.

(Didn't stop me worrying either.)

Good luck!

[MintyLizzy9]

What tdlr said!

I was a wreck leading up to it I was so nervous!

Try to relax as hard as that sounds! Panel will ask you a few questions so it's worth reading through your report just to refresh yourself tho it's all about you so they won't be asking anything you can't answer! When the panel chair came out to tell me I'd been approved I couldn't even say thank you, the relief was unbelievable, when I opened my mouth to speak I just started crying!
Good luck! Xxx

[Sillyshell]

Thank you both for you sensible words :) I have complete faith in our social worker and he really has helped us but I cant stop worrying, I guess it's just normal and I'm just going to have to go with it.

Minty, I'm sure I am going to be a blubbering wreck too!

[Cleo1303]

Your SW shouldn't put you through unless she is pretty confident you will be approved.

I had the most miserable witch as the panel chair. She came out and begrudgingly told me they had decided "on balance" to let me go ahead. The Clerk had come out with her and asked if I wanted to lodge a complaint about her because she was so rude. My SW and the Head of Adoptions were there too and were appalled.

The result was that I was approved - but she just couldn't bring herself to say Congratulations and be nice. Instead of feeling euphoric I felt totally flat. I reckon that she personally didn't like my answer to one of the questions (although I can't imagine what).

I am sure you will be fine. Really they don't turn many people down once the SW has got them to panel.

Let us know how it goes.

[Sillyshell]

Thanks Cleo. What a horrible woman ruining a special moment like that for you.

I'm just going to try and not think about it, which I realise will be harder said than done!

[Cleo1303]

Sillyshell, I promise you other friends who have adopted had a really lovely time. One of us had to get the witch by the law of averages. You won't get one now!

Anyway, it didn't matter in the end. I found my beautiful DD.

I am sure it will be okay.

[Sillyshell]

So we got a big fat yes :) Am so happy and relieved, I had a little cry afterwards.

Now just need to try and be patient and wait for that call!

[tldr]

Told you so ;)

Congrats!

[Sillyshell]

Thank you :)

[2old2beamumandpastit]

Well done and welcome to "Adoption Family" I promise you it is brilliant.
Hope you do not have wait too long!

[PoppyStellar]

Had read your original thread and was hoping it had all gone well for you. So glad to hear it did. Congratulations!

[MintyLizzy9]

Congrats!!!!!!

[jingscrivenshelpmaboab]

Congratulations - it's such a wonderful feeling when you get that yes!

[Sillyshell]

Thank you all, I'm still buzzing about it :) Need to try and calm down now and stop thinking our social worker is going to call in the next couple of days!

[PoppyStellar]

Ha ha. I recognise that feeling! FWIW I had the call from my SW within days. (Nearly fainted with shock as my LA is not renowned for speed!) So yes it may take ages (and probably best to be realistic) but it may not (and sometimes it's nice to be giddy with excitement!). Wishing you and your DS or DD all the best whenever you are matched.

[Italiangreyhound]

Excellent, congratulations.

[Sillyshell]

:) thank you

[Cleo1303]

I thought you would be fine. Congratulations!