Adoption

[ButterflyBailey]

I would like to start thinking about adoption. I want to be prepared and sure that this is what is best for both me, my partner and a future child. When it comes to learning about adoption where do I start? How did you gain understanding about everything before you started the process? Anyone here that has adopted, what helped the most for you to make the decision? Do you have any advice for me? Thank you xx

Check out adoption UK (assuming you are in the UK) wealth of information on there

First point of call would be your local authority. They might have a prospective adopters session. This will go through the process, what you need to know, how to get started. They are really useful sessions to start your process.

Please do read, 'The Primal Wound' by Nancy Verrier. It really is spot on. I wish it, or something like, had been around when I was adopted.

All the very best.

Yes check out Adoption UK its fab and they do regular zoom meet ups for prospective adopters which are really helpful and really supportive. And they have loads of good resources too.

First 4 adoption is a good place to start.

As above but I'd also say when you've done some reading and looked at Adoption UK or local authorities, look back at lots of mumsnet adoption threads. There is a wealth of knowledge people have shared that can give you a good insight, the highs and the lows and lots of factual info too. I have been reading lots on here at different stages of our adoption journey, it's been so useful.

Definitely listen to 'The Adoption' podcast available on BBC. Gives a good insight and points of view of the social workers, adopters, birth family, etc and easy to listen to. It was actually one of our 'homeworks' on our training but we found it really useful. Threw up some questions and dispelled some myths early on which was helpful.
We also had a friend who had recently adopted so when we told her our plans she was more than happy to tell us all the ins and outs of her journey (where appropriate obviously)
Good luck x

Remember when reading message boards that people tend to post when in difficulties not when it's all fine so you can get a skewed view.

You can go for an info session with your LA and then sit and ponder for a year, you don't need to be fully knowledgeable/committed just to go to an info session.

@Remy7

Definitely listen to 'The Adoption' podcast available on BBC. Gives a good insight and points of view of the social workers, adopters, birth family, etc and easy to listen to. It was actually one of our 'homeworks' on our training but we found it really useful. Threw up some questions and dispelled some myths early on which was helpful. We also had a friend who had recently adopted so when we told her our plans she was more than happy to tell us all the ins and outs of her journey (where appropriate obviously) Good luck x

Oh yes, this podcast was really good, we listened to it when on stage 1

Make sure you check out voluntary adoption agencies as well as local authority. They often have more robust post adoption support packages.

Thank you all! I'll definitely listen to the podcast. I have been looking at the adoption threads on here and the websites mentioned too xx

I don't know if anyone will know, but I also have Epilepsy and I'm not sure if that will impact things

You will have a medical and the adoption doctor will want to ensure its under control etc. Be honest with your sw about things and I'm sure it will be fine

Thank you xx