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Original poster

Adoption Panel to matching panel

12 replies

RoomForMore · 12/03/2019 17:21

I know this will really vary from case to case, but just wondered how long it took you to get to matching panel, if they already had a child in mind for you etc. Obviously if you were happy with the match and so on. I haven't been able to ask how long the next part of the process is, but I know they have a child in mind. We're getting a different social worker so I can't just send a text to ask.

So if the matching was fairly quick or straightforward for you, how long did it take between both panels?

TIA

OP posts:
MagicKeysToAsda · 12/03/2019 18:09

It can be quick if there's already a potential match in mind that you think is good too IF the child already has a placement order. Sometimes the SW gets a bit ahead of themselves and there can be court delays or changes of plan in reality. However,if placement order is already granted and all parties agree it's a go, then potentially a few weeks to the next free slot at matching panel, and intros could start a couple of weeks beyond that once the ADM ratifies the matching panel decision. However, don't let yourselves be so rushed that you don't get the info you need - if you need longer so you can properly meet the medical advisor etc, or think about any concerns, do speak up. Good luck!

donquixotedelamancha · 12/03/2019 19:03

So if the matching was fairly quick or straightforward for you, how long did it take between both panels?

In both cases we were provisionally matched before approval. We were about 3 months between panels in the first adoption and 2 weeks in the second. We were with a VA, so the child was not connected with our agency, which takes longer. In each case intros were about 2 weeks after matching panel.

I know of LAs that have kids lined up for when the adopters are approved and they can be at matching panel a month later but, even if you are pre matched, it can take much longer.

Assume delays and be pleasantly surprised if not- but clear any jobs just in case.

don't let yourselves be so rushed that you don't get the info you need

This. Ask questions. Think carefully. This is your process and your decision.

Original poster
RoomForMore · 12/03/2019 23:48

Thank you both for replying! It's hard to stay calm and patient sometimes Smile we've just gone through panel this week and I'm just so keen to get on with it!

You're right of course about not being rushed and asking questions etc. It's a huge life changing decision for everyone involved!

OP posts:
Twogirlsandme · 13/03/2019 07:53

When they have a child in mind they can do approval panel followed by matching panel on the same day.

Twogirlsandme · 13/03/2019 07:54

Obviously in these cases they will have given you all the info beforehand and you will have been in agreement about going ahead.

nickcal · 13/03/2019 07:59

We are in the same position! We go to approval panel next week and we have a potential match (already has a placement order) that we want to move forward with. We thought we would be able to move quickly, as we were told the ADM would be attending panel. so we would get an immediate ratification (assuming all goes well). However, nothing moves at pace in the world of adoption, so we are being coached by our SW that a plan to matching panel is likely to be towards the end of May / early June. So in our circumstance is looks like approx 8 weeks between approval and matching.

LabMum2 · 14/03/2020 13:27

How exciting (and if anything like me/ us, utterly terrifying at moments!)
We have just got our panel date for the end of April, and it totally has to be the right match and the right info so we are not rushing or pushing anyone .... not that we could if we wanted to 😂 but our SW has been brilliant and understands where we are coming from
ANYWAY.... my question is really to see how you all are a year on after matching, have your babies/ children come home as yet? If so I hope all is going well and would be really keen to hear! Thanks, LM x

AgathaCroosty · 14/03/2020 22:06

For us, 3 months between approval & matching. We hadnt been provided with anyone in mind at the time of approval, interest was made on our linked in profile 5 days post approval.

It would likely have been quicker if it wasnt for professionals taking 3 week holidays at the beginning of them finding us!

We met someone on our journey who had both panels within a day of each other.

We're with VA aswell, one that doesnt have a pool of kids on "their books" so to speak.

hidinginthenightgarden · 15/03/2020 13:20

They had a child in mind for us and rang us exactly a week after panel when I was chasing to see if it had been approved by bog bosses whos name I cannot remember.
She rang back and said it was approved and they had a match for us.

LabMum2 · 28/03/2020 20:01

Oh my goodness me hidinginthenightgarden! That super quick. Are you going ahead / was your first match the right one?
Also do you mind me asking what age range you are open to ? Hope all well for you

Teacher12345 · 28/03/2020 20:36

Labmum2 - she was the right match yes and has been home 3 years. Currently asleep in her new big girl bed!

We have a son who was 3 when we started the process so were only approved for a child age 1 and under. SHe moved in 3 days before her 1st birthday.

LabMum2 · 28/03/2020 22:55

Wonderful, that is great to hear. Bless her in her big girl bed! Lovely.
And thanks for coming back to me :-)

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