Matching

[2dads]

We are due to go to matching panel on the 25th feb. When do we get matching cert. work are saying I need to give 28 days notice but will I have 28 days between getting matching cert and introductions starting.

We had panel on the 19th Dec, matching cert on the 27th (picked it up from SW office to save time), leave started on 29th and intros started 2nd Jan.

Have you asked if they can be more flexible given the nature of adoption? My work let me submit my application retrospectively so I put in my application on my last day in the office. My first month was paid as usual whilst my application was processed, and then the second month they "reclaimed" the prior months salary and paid my adoption leave for the 2 months, but as I was on full pay anyway it made no difference payrise as what they deducted for 1st month and then repaid for 1st month was exactly the same.

Have you got any annual leave to use? I'm booking leave first to cover the intros and then will put the matching cert in when we get it, but there is a planned time for adoption leave to start (ie. The day our child moves in)

m.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1828

This is the general HR guidance and it says: “Employees should tell the employer within seven days of being told that they have been matched with a child, if this is not possible they must tell the employer as soon as possible.”.

So technically they are wrong. We didn’t get the matching certificate until the Thursday and intros started on the Monday. I had told work all the information but I didn’t give official notice until the Thursday...! But my work were very understanding. Hope this helps

Thank you everyone. I have a meeting with my manager tomorrow so will see what she says. I have a full years worth of holiday so would love you use it before placement.

One other question about matching panel. Is it likely we would be turned down at matching. Our SW child’s SW and the family finder and 100% supportive. We have met the foster carer twice and we have met baby all went really well.

No SW in their right mind would take you to panel unless they were extremely confident the panel will say yes, as their reputation is on the line. Unless there are any extreme reasons (which would have been picked up on by your SW and child's SW) it's almost definitely a yes!

Brilliant thank you

I agree with Skip, no Social Worker who is doing their job properly would take you to Panel if here was any likelihood of it not being approved. Good luck!!!

So we have met the medical advisor this week. All went well no issues have been raised. I still feel very very anxious about panel.

I found the time before panel the hardest - I found the waiting incredibly difficult. It’s so exciting but also nerve wracking. No real advice here other than what others have said - if going to panel you are 99% likely to be approved. Good luck!

OP - Sorry but take comments about SWs not taking you to panel unless they are confident with a pinch of salt, we went to panel and were 'deferred' for further work to be done with the child, nothing to do with us subsequently the LA withdrew from the match as they realised the child needed much more support than they had anticipated. It's not just you that the panel is about.