Adoption concerns

[ELM93]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice as I'm not really sure how to go about this. There's a couple I know who are at the beginning of the adoption process. I'll start by saying that I don't know a lot about the process itself but understand that it can be rigorous, but I'm worried if sometimes people slip through the net. I've known the couple for over 10 years, and for various reasons I have serious concerns about them adopting. I do not leave my own children in the same room as them. I know that the people who have been asked for references have their reservations, but don't want to be the person to stop it happening so have been careful with their wording. For my own personal and professional integrity, I'm not sure I can say or do nothing, as I would worry about a child that was in their care. I don't think their situation is favourable for adoption, so I doubt they will make it through the process, but they might. I suppose I'm asking what would you do if you had serious concerns about a couple looking to adopt? It is also worth saying that I don't think they would listen to anything I had to say on the matter

I think if you have serious concerns you need to say something to the adoption agency. I’d also be encouraging any referees to be honest about their misgivings - while they may not want to be the ones to end the process, the reality is a very vulnerable child sits at the end of that process and social work can only assess on what they know.

A poor reference or third party information in itself won’t necessarily stop the process but will prompt professionals to dig a bit further and consider the information as part of the assessment.

There are so many stages to the process any concerns you have should come to light.
The references do not get shown to applicants - they are usually written and submitted to the social worker then the social worker will phone and chat about them further with the referee.
If you are concerned you can always phone the agency and ask to share some info with them.

Please share the information or any concerns you have with an agency. Children in care have been through enough. Social workers can only go by the information they are given. If no one tells them, they might not find out and put a child at risk.

Please share this information. Please do not assume someone else will share it or the system will ensure they do not get through.

Not being willing to leave your own kids with them in the same room sounds like a very firm position. Trust your gut.

I agree with others. If you are concerned enough to not leave your children in the same room as them, then you are morally bound to report your concerns to the adoption team.

These were my thoughts as well. I'm just not sure how to go about it. If I did it anonymously, would my concerns be taken seriously enough and looked into? Would the adoption team be duty bound to tell the couple that they had received this information?

The adoption team would discuss the concerns with the couple, they have the right to reply. The social worker wouldn’t need to tell them where the concerns came from and from what you’ve said a number of people have reservations, so they wouldn’t necessarily know the information came from you.

I don't think anonymous would work as they may need to discuss with you.
You say other people may have concerns too, so it wouldn't be obviously you if you see what I mean? You could ask not to be named though.

I guess it depends what the issue is (not asking you to say here) and whether it is factual / substantiable / just a feeling.

I don't think it'll be possible to be anonymous - this doesn't mean you shouldn't share, though. The potential child at the centre of this is most important.

I think you can give the adoption team a call (assuming you know which agency they are using) and relay concerns anonymously. Obviously anonymous calls will be treated as potentially malicious but they will be bound to rule it out as is just that. It could be just the tip off they need to explore your concern that otherwise they may have overlooked.

If you do it anonymously, make sure to be specific and give details, so it clear that your concerns are genuine. Make the agency aware that you are not the only one with concerns and ask them to go back to those giving references and dig deeper.

I don't think that u are correct regarding the people you say who have 'overturned' an adoption rejection, because there is no legal right to adopt. Therefore if an agency turns you down there is no recorse of appeal. You can contact other agencies to see if someone else will say yes but its all on a social workers discresion.

Unfortunately anyone with a conviction against a child won't be able to ever adopt

Oops sorry wrong thread

My partner and I have adopted twice now so are fairly familiar with the assessment process. It is very rigorous but not fool proof especially if you don't think the nominated referees are going to be particularly open and honest, there's always a chance something significant will be missed.

I think you should give the adoption agency a call, you can explain your concerns without giving your name or the name of the couple and see what they suggest. I think the aim is to give the social workers the heads up so they know where they need to be digging and can uncover anything that needs uncovering themselves. Rather than dragging you personally into the process.