What is adoption like at the moment?

[DingDingRound2]

We already have one adopted child, absolute joy of our lives. We've had her 5 years. We were always prepared to stop at one child, in case her needs were bigger than expected. As it is, she is now in year 1 and, although behind academically, is coping just fine with life and even lockdowns etc.

So, we would like another child! Have been thinking it through all year and are going for it.

So, what's it been like during the pandemic? I'm tier 4, so I'm wondering how much is done via online? Any words of wisdom? Doing it online could be easier for us as we live about an hour away from the social workers and it meant last time we were quite restricted on when they would come to us and it was a pain to organise with work. If it was online it would free up the commuting time the social workers always had.

How exciting for you! I'm glad your first child has settled and thrived well. It may differ between local authorities but we have just been through assessment and panel. You're right in thinking it involves lots of video calls. We had prep training via video call. They split it into 1.5 hour calls with homework in-between. (No crazy day-long calls.) Our social worker has been able to visit us in PPE although we have also met via video call and our panel was via video call. It all went smoothly. The only drawback was we weren't able to get to know others on the prep training like we would have when attending in person and there is some inevitable video call awkwardness during group discussions.

We are yet to see how matching and introductions will go but I'm pretty sure they are still allowed to happen, even in tier 4, as I believe it counts as an essential service.

Hope it all goes well for you!

We completed stage 2 and had panel during the lockdown. Lots of video calls. Been looking for a match for about 6 months now. It’s tough. Our social worker said on Linkmaker there are currently 2 adopters for every child. The pandemic has meant a huge back log in court orders/children being seen etc. It is very difficult but we keep going.

That sounds so difficult. Hope you will be matched soon.

Yes I heard there was a wait, though social services have told us that apparently it will only take 4months to get us through as second time adopters! I very much doubt that though!! I also suspect it will take longer to match us as we have a child already. It's fine, we can save more money this way.