Adoption through Barnardos

[J1993]

Hi, me and my partner (same sex couple) have chosen to start the adoption process. We have decided to go with Barnardos, we both have quite complex backgrounds but are hoping with us being honest and transparent all will be okay! Can anyone share their experiences of using Barnardos? We have had a initial conversation and are currently waiting to be assigned a SW.

[Ted27]

@J1993
Sorry you haven't had any responses.
I don't have any experience of Barnardos.
Being honest is so important- with yourself and social workers.
Remember that social workers have seen it all. Whatever the complexities of your background, very little is insurmountable. What matters is showing how you have dealt with your experiences and what this brings to your lives as parents.
Good luck !

[Grassofparnassus]

I have school friends who adopted via Barnardos, they had a positive experience and speak highly of them. Wishing you luck.

I am early stage 1 myself (just doing all the paperwork). I too have had a positive experience re: Barnardos so far. I was very nervous (visibly shaking!) at the first visit but found the social workers friendly and approachable. It’s a long thorough process which make sense - it’s a big thing we are wanting to do. There’s lots of posts on here about specific things you might feel worried about (I was nervous about my medical for example, it wasn’t the big deal I was worried about).

I am a single prospective adopter and hoping to adopt an older child or older sibling pair. I read a lot on here but this is my first post. I like Ted27s posts - always honest and empowering. You say you have complex backgrounds but are open to being open and transparent- sounds perfect to me. Difficult / probing conversations are inevitable and at first I felt really nervous about it. You get paperwork where you are asked about difficulties you have experienced in childhood / big life events. I found that helpful - it’s written down as talking points so I can anticipate what topics might be raised.

Other positives about Barnardos I have experienced so far - generally friendly staff, weekly email updates.

Wishing you luck and perhaps our paths will cross again.

[FeelingRejected333]

We are currently mid stage 1 with Barnados, so far I can’t fault them!

[ponyinmud]

I know a family who adopted with them. Apparently they have been wonderful with post adoption support over the last few years as various issues have arise for the adopted child.

[J1993]

Sorry for the late reply and thank you for your responses.
So far so good! We’re really impressed with Barnardos. All the staff we have been in contact with have been so friendly. We’ve just moved on to stage 2 and have a month to work to for panel!