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Adoption

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on adoption.

Difference between LA and voluntary agencies

3 replies

flowersinspring · 20/04/2018 22:27

Hi- I am right at the start of the journey and am trying to fathom out the pluses and minuses of going with the LA or not. What are the key differences and what have people's experiences been please?

OP posts:
Allgrownup3 · 20/04/2018 22:41

Hi. It really depends on the age of the child/children you're wanting to adopt.

LA- have children
Va- do not have children.

La- children range for babies upwards.
Va- have what they class as harder to place children. These maybe older children or a sibling group.

La - have the opportunity to do foster to adopt

I would go to
Both LA and VA opens days and get a feel for them.

thomassmuggit · 20/04/2018 23:02

I'd say it's broader than which children, as both LAs and VAs have adopters who have adopted all kinds of children.

It varies between LAs and VAs. Talk to a few. Ask about ongoing support, not just what they're legally obliged to give, but support through to adulthood and beyond.

VAs can be more accepting of adopters who are single, or gay, or have medical problems.

You can do FtA/concurrency via a VA.

"Harder to place" is a difficult phrase, and I wouldn't get too hung up on it.

LAs may have their own children to place, but if you get to the end of the process, and none of their children are your children, then that can be difficult. It's a matching process, you don't want to be pushed to be matched with a child because it's the one the LA has, and you're the one approved family, for instance.

For one family, in one area, a VA may be everything they need. In other families, in other areas, the LA may be superb. Talk to what's around you, read the OFSTEDs, and see who gives you a good vibe.

There are many threads on LA vs VA, and powerful advocates of both.

thomassmuggit · 20/04/2018 23:03

BTW, we adopted a healthy baby via a VA.

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