Can we use both local and volunteer agency?

[HopefullyDreaming]

Hi, I’m hoping someone on here can help with a dilemma we have.

When be begun looking into adoption we contact our local authority (LA) with the hope that someone would contact us and talk us through process. However, our emails went unanswered.

We decided to reach out to a volunteer agency (VA) and they responded very quickly and arranged for the first visit to the house - where we discussed the process. After months of waiting - the LA reached out and asked to visit us at home, which we agreed to. This was all at the same time as we were in early discussions with the VA.

When the VA visited they recommended we go to a pre-approval course, and someone would be in touch after the New Year to offer a placement. The LA also put us forward for the pre approval training, and confirmed it for mid jan.

Meanwhile - as soon as the new year came round the VA sent out the invitation for training - as well as all the details required for reference checks etc.
We have so far proceeded with both the LA and the VA, with the LA pre approval course completed already.

The LA have just requested further details for reference/background checking.
We are expected to attend the VA course at the end of Feb (however they are doing all the background checks already).

A long story but I’m hoping someone can advise - should we be sticking with just one agency/authority or should we continue with both?
I concerned that the LA may have to pay the VA if we get matched with a child from our LA through the VA

[donquixotedelamancha]

1. I assume you are in Englandandwales?

2. I think, in theory, there is no reason why not but in practice there is no chance. The agency invests a lot of money in your training, approval and matching. They are funded when you get matched (the LA because ithey stop paying FC for a child, the VA because they get a fee).

I would think many agencies might be hacked off to find you'd done courses with two agencies. I really would imagine they'd drop you if you did apply through another as well. I am not a SW- so perhaps I am wrong.

3. You should choose the best agency, don't worry about how they are funded.

[Strugglingmum73]

Short answer is no. You need to decide and quickly

[veejayteekay]

Yes to echo others I'm afraid you need to make a decision based on which you have best impression of your own individual needs etc. It's against the etiquette to have concurrent applications with two. You're totally free to have enquires info events and initial visits but once you get to submitting an actual application it should be with one only. My advice would be to as others have said decide fairly quickly. I would just keep explanation to the agency quite brief and explain after consideration you've decided to go through another agency and leave it at that.

[Yolande7]

The process will get very intense and highly personal, as in "how is your sex life?", "why did your previous relationships fail?" etc. There is no way you will be able to get through it with two agencies at the same time - even if this was acceptable, which it isn't. For most people getting through it with one agency is tough.

[HopefullyDreaming]

Thank you all for your input. It is exactly what we had thought.
The volunteer agency is much further drown the line regarding checks etc - so I guess we will move on with them.
Thank you all again it’s much appreciated:-)

[Hitchyhero]

Every agency/LA i got in contact with said we are only allowed to use 1 agency at a time.

[thistle52]

Sorry to throw a spanner in the works - I would also consider the VA and LA in terms of the types of children too and make sure you are comfortable with your choice not just based on how far down the line you are.