adoption approval and moving area

[Melissa1771]

Hi all, I was hoping someone could clarify something for me. My husband and I are now at the stage where we are planning to formally approach an adoption agency. The awkward situation with us is that, while my job is permanent, his job will end in 18 months to 2 years time as it is a specific training post. Our house comes with his job and so that would involve a house move too (his job is in a church in case you couldn't guess!)

We raised this at an info evening we attended about a year ago, and were told that they might agree to take us through the process but when it comes to matching they would not recommend a match if we couldn't stay where we were for less than a year. This makes sense to me and I'm not trying to bypass that. However, what I was wondering is whether, if we were approved as adopters, and we then moved within the UK - would that approval transfer with us or would we have to go through the whole process again? I imagine we would need a new home assessment at least. I have tried to find official information about what happens to approved adopters if you move area but haven't found anything useful.

Many thanks!

First 4 adoption is a Christian agency is n't it? Might be worth a conversation at least. Also depending where you are and where you hope to go to you could try a voluntary agency. Our new vicar cane from the next big town!

As a fellow Christian I can say thus and goodnight doesn't sound too weird, where do you think God is calling you long term? DO NOT say this to the social worker!

Good luck.

Hope not goodnight!

Hi Don and Italian, thank you for your messages and sorry for being slow to respond.

Thank you Don for offering to contact SWs - that's really kind of you. I have in the last day or so had some contact with a local VA and the LA and been open about our circumstances, and they are willing to meet to discuss further. I spoke to the LA at more length and they acknowledged that moving within a year of being placed is not ideal for the child, but in their view it could be managed. I suppose from their perspective it depends on whether they feel they have a shortage of potential adopters in which case it may be better for the child(ren) than the alternative. I am unsure how to feel about this but I see no harm in a further conversation. With the VA I get the impression they would consider us as more of a long-term project to continue after we move.

I was feeling (and still am a bit) a lot of impatience about our situation, but am slowly realising that it's not the end of the world to wait a bit longer and be more prepared. So at the very least these meetings will be good preparation either for now or for in a few years' time. I am also trying to mentally plan more "childfree" things to enjoy, as you suggested Don - maybe even a before kids bucket list...

Italian, I think First4Adoption is just a general information website, though I might be wrong. Home for Good is a Christian organisation and I am in contact with them (or trying to be). Always good to find another Christian! To answer your question, we have no idea at the moment, but to be honest we haven't thought or prayed about it much. To us it still feels quite far away...

Yes, apologies was thinking of Home for Good !!

I think there are two aspects to the location you will be facing. One is the official part that social services will play in accessing you and placing a child etc, but also for you the second part that will have a long term impact is the support network you will build around you.

When you move to a new area you will be able to get to know people who will hopefully be helpful to you so maybe become your support network etc, or at least add to it. Just be aware of all this as you prefer for your new future.