Adoption process

[twinnywinny14]

Dh and I have been to info meeting and would like to register initial interest to adopt, probably an old toolset/preschooler or older. We are concerned about 2 things at this stage: 1) finances and how ‘ready’ we should be before starting the process? We know how much we need set aside available when matching happens but should we have that ready before starting or will having it by matching be ok? And 2) How much time do home visits during stage 2 take up? We can juggle the 5/6 days training course days but am wondering if home study visits can be evenings or weekend? Thanks for help and advice x

twinnywinny14 I'm guessing your 'toolset' is a toddler!

1. finances and how ‘ready’ we should be before starting the process?" I think you should probably be in reasonable financial shape, not overly burdened with debt, many will have mortgages on their homes and maybe some will be paying off car loans etc. Just remember when one of you is home on adoption leave you will have reduced earnings, so prepare for that.

"We know how much we need set aside available when matching happens but should we have that ready before starting or will having it by matching be ok?" I am afraid I don't know, I would ask you local authority what they expect.

"And 2) How much time do home visits during stage 2 take up? We can juggle the 5/6 days training course days but am wondering if home study visits can be evenings or weekend?" Ours were mostly early evening.

In terms of Finances, we never had to show bank statements etc. We just filled out a form showing income/outgoings & gave details of any savings we had. That was in stage 1 & by approval & matching everything we'd said had totally changed (some better some worse) but we were never asked again. So really it's your personal preference/decision.

Normally your SW will be flexible - our home visits were a mix of 7am meetings so we could work as normal, some in the middle of the day, a few evenings & one weekend. Our SW also let us pack two sessions into one day which did mean crazy long meetings but less time off work in total - as to be honest it's hard to go back to work after them as your head is so full of adoption stuff.