fostering to adopt

[drestel]

Hi can anyone help. My husband & I have been fostering a child through a private agency for 18months. I have now applied to adopt her, I am only approved as a foster carer but I am going to panel to be approved as an adopter next week and on the same day I will be going to matching panel.(I am adopting through LA) My question is when should I take adoption leave from work as she already lives with me. Also how long from matching panel approval do you get ADM decision?

Congratulations!! Have you checked that you are able to have adoption leave with you already fostering her? I know when we did the same I didn't take any leave, although work gave me all the time I needed for panels etc. If you are, as soon as the adoption has been ratified I would start it. Enjoy!

You may want to move this to the adoption boards, OP. If you report the thread and ask they'll do it for you. You'll probably find more knowledgeable people there.

Congratulations btw!

I think ADM is within a couple of weeks of matching panel as there is national timescales for this, but google to be sure.
Adoption leave - ask your employer and also social worker, you may not get it if the child lives with you already but find out.

Comgratulations

I agree, the adoption board is a much better place to ask for advice. Really good luck with this.

Thank you everyone, I will move it to adoption board. I believe you are still entitled to leave and pay as in a fostering to adoption placement, but I need to make sure.