Adopting a fostered child

[Bhaty]

Hi we have been fostering a child for over a year and she has really bonded with us. It looks like she will be put forward for adoption soon. Does any one know of any Asian foster carers who went on to adopt a white child and the trails and tribulations they faced in getting through the process? I hope it would be a fair process as historically in the UK it has always been possible the other way around.

"I hope it would be a fair process as historically in the UK it has always been possible the other way around."

Of course it would. As 'fair' as adoption ever is- the main concern is the kids needs so it can be a bit brutal to adopters. The SW will need to probe whether you have thought it through- adoption approval involves some hard questions.

The main barrier will be the 'cultural' mismatch, but (especially if the child is young) I'd have thought that would be massively outweighed the benefits of providing consistent care and your existing bond.

-Talk to SW asap, to make them aware.

-I think if you've had him/her a year you could apply to adopt immediately if there was a risk of moving, but far better to get SS on board first.
-Make sure you show you can respect his cultural/religious background. Yeah, I know SW sometimes overstate this, but you need to play the game with them.
-Do give some thought to the practicalities having a child of a different ethnicity, just 'coz SW will ask. I have different friends with this situation and while some never have problems one has experienced a fair amount of racism.

I know foster carers of differing ethnicities to the children who have gone on to adopt. Not necessarily white foster families either. I'm not giving more details of the ethnicities to protect their privacy. I think it may depend on the views of your local SW dept and the level of diversity in your area. Our area is extremely diverse with an ever-increasing number of multi racial families so they seem to have accepted that not all children can be culturally matched. If you have any white people in your extended family that will probably be a point in your favour.