Adoption Order Process

[PeanutButtercup1]

Hi All,

I know the subject has been discussed umpteen times before, but what do we do to prepare for a potential special guardian order from the court. The kids for whom we have submitted the application have been with us for nearly a year now, and the papers are moving through the court in the usual pace. BPs have applied to contest and this is our second hearing I guess. The SW is suggesting that the judge may ask for a guardian review.

Do we, as prospective parents , need to prepare for their visit? Are they going to be doing longish reviews with us and the kids? Do we need to prepare the kids beforehand? We haven't had a chance to talk to them about their past fully yet - they are pretty young for that at present.

Just wondering if others who have gone through this can advice.

I’m in Scotland so the process is a bit different but it’s not unusual for the Court to appoint a Guardian ad Litem even for younger children. They are there to represent the child’s views in the legal process and to ensure decisions are made in the child’s best interests. Ours spent some time (ie an afternoon all in) with me and the kids, talking and observing the children. They were very skilled and didn’t upset or alarm the kids.

They won’t talk to the kids about what led to them being removed or tell them anything they don’t already know - you can explain what they understand already so they don’t accidentally share something the kids aren’t ready for.