Matching Panel

[Adoptionhope]

Hi, new here and preparing for matching panel. Super nervous and trying not to be emotionally invested but we are. Can anyone shed any light on what to expect please? Worried about the questions and what to expect as our BMIs are high.
Thanks!

They look at your health, support systems, finance, background and how you fit with child’s needs. I think it just about ensuring you are good fit for child. I think with BMI should be covered in any medical report the panel will see. Panel will just look over all reports and ask questions from that.

Our BMIs are / were also high.
It didn't come up much but we were able to evidence that we had already started following a diet plan at home and had joined the gym etc. Commitment to change was more what they wanted to hear.

@Adoptionhope

Your SW would not be taking you to matching panel if there were any issues of concern, particularly as you already seem to have met the child.
Panel will be interested in why this child, do you understand their needs and how you think you can meet them.

Good luck - let us know how you get on

It’s easy to say, but try not to worry too much about being emotional. I cried at both my matching panels and was approved.
They give you the questions before you go in, so take a minute to think through the answers you want to give. Try to remember that the people on the panel are people who want the match. They’ll be social workers and adopters etc, they want you to succeed

good luck!!!

We also have matching panel coming up, Thursday! I don't know how we're not meant to get so emotionally invested.
The house is fitted out for a LO soon to come in, you have to get it ready for the intro materials. The thought of taking it all down if they say no is stressing me out.

I'm trying to keep a level head, but like you, my mind is full of uncertainties and potential questions. It's a massive day.
All I can do is remind myself that we know so much about LO, and everyone around us, SW etc all believe it to be a perfect match.

Hope it all goes well for you!

Hi,

@ Poppet - I know exactly how you're feeling. We are breathing a sigh of relief as we received our recommendation on panel.
Like you we purchased furniture and decorated the little ones room. All I can say is don't be stressed if panel is running late it's not a sign and also like another poster said our SW and FF said they wouldn't put us forward if they weren't confident in us but we couldn't help but worry.
Some panels appear to direct questions directly at the adopters but even if they do so your SWs can jump in.
The only way I describe it to give you comfort is remember you know what you have to offer and if you can read the SW recommendations in the panel submission.
Good luck and do let us know how you get on.

Congratulations @Adoptionhope hope things move swiftly and you have little one home with you soon

@Adoptionhope Thank you for the kind words! I’m glad to say it all went well, and we came away with a unanimous yes.
Almost enjoyable once completed 😂now into the ADM limbo!

@Adoptionhope

congratulations !

Great news poppet.
We got our ADM decision 3 days later and now off doing transition. Hope all is going smoothly on your end.