What are our chances?

[Clarebw45]

Myself and DH are considering adopting. It is something I have always wanted to do. I am adopted myself, I was 1 years old when I was adopted and will always be grateful for the amazing family I have.
I am 30 and DH is 34. We have one biological daughter who is 2. We live in a 4 bed detached house which is mortgaged, in an estate with alot of kids. We have 2 dogs. We only have about 3k in savings at the minute but were working on that. We both work full time and have a joint annual income of about 60k (30k each). We are both in good health although I am overweight again I am working on that. What other things do we need to take in to consideration before moving forward with an application? Any words of advice for people looking to begin the process? Thanks.

It sounds to me like you're in a good position. We have been approved recently with one income and less in savings than you. We had to wait until our biological child was 3 before we were allowed to apply but it doesn't sound like that's far away for you. There will be assessments of the dogs and your health and you'll need to have a plan for adoption leave. In the meantime, research as much as you can and keep a note of what you read and watch related to adoption as this will be useful during the assessment. Best wishes with it all!

I would also say consider your support network, SW will explore who is around to help and support you, and also childcare experience
good luck

Support network is important, not just folk who can provide practical help but people who provide emotional support without judgement. Adoption can be very hard, especially the early weeks and months after placement - you will need folk at the end of the phone who aren’t going to question whether you were right to adopt, who suggest sending the child back (yes, really) or who spend their time telling you all kids do that. Folk you can be open and honest with because that will save your sanity more than you could imagine.

Thanks for the replies! Yeah we definitely will have a good support network. My parents will be great because they have been through it all when they adopted me and my sister. Dhs family will be good support too and we have good friends. So I know we will have alot of support when needed which is great.

I know it shouldn’t be about finances but can you afford for one of you to take a year off? What would you do if the little one struggles to cope with you both working full time? Could one of you do part time?
Good luck with your journey

@Newpuppymummy yeah we would be fine if I took a year off, I work for the nhs and they have quite a good adoption leave pay (the same as thier mat pay and we managed fine when I was off with dd), although i work full time it is long shifts so its only 3 days a week, but would consider going part time once we build up a bit more savings. Were working on all of that just now.

Sounds like you’re in a great position to go forward