Social Care & Health

Social Services

Adoption and Permanent Fostering

The Children & Family Teams endeavour to support children to remain at home where at all possible . Where this has proven to be unsuccessful, children are placed in other families whether this be with extended family members or Foster Carers. Ongoing plans are made and reviewed towards the child being returned to his / her family however this is not always achievable. In these instances 'permanency plans' are made for children and permanent families sought. These can be either adoptive parent/s or permanent foster families.

If you are interested in a child/ren becoming a permanent member of your family this can be achieved in two ways. Firstly by way of the legal process of Adoption. This legal route is usually pursued for young children ie under 8 years old. Adoption means that you become the child's legal parent and have full responsibility for the child throughout their life.

Permanent Foster Carers are carers who can commit to bringing children up into adulthood. Children are usually in the older age range, over 8, and who are likely to have ongoing contact with birth family members.

Recruitment of Permanent Families

The process of assessment of adoptive parents and permanent carers is very similar. You will be offered an initial visit where you can explore which option would best suit your situation. If you wish to proceed, you will be invited to attend preparation groups. If you still wish to proceed you will be asked to complete an application form and your assessment will begin.

On completion of the assessment you will be presented to the Adoption and Permanency Panel for your application to be considered and hopefully approved.

The whole process can take from 6 months to a year depending on circumstances.

Support to Permanent Carers / Adopters

Following approval, your assessing worker will continue to support you in relation to training and learning needs. Financial assistance may also be provided depending on the needs of the child placed, however this will be fully discussed once a possible child/ren has been identified. The provision of respite may also be considered appropriate and this will be available where agreed.

We look forward to hearing from you and will be available to meet with you and answer any outstanding questions you may have.

Continue to online application form.

Tracing your Birth Parent

Find out more about Adoption or Permanent Fostering