Adoption family finding
TACT can help CHANGE a life through adoption
TACT family finds for CHILDREN with SPECIAL NEEDS and DISABILITIES and for children where family finding has been difficult.
Introduction
Parents for Children (PfC) was a small charity founded in 1976. In March 2009, they joined with TACT. As an agency, TACT places children in loving family homes, who would otherwise remain in long term local authority (LA) care. The original philosophy of PfC was that there was a family for every child. This led them to place children with a high level of learning or emotional difficulties, children with complex medical conditions and or physical disabilities. TACT continues this work and uses a ‘child specific model’ of family finding and assessment. This means that local authorities refer children for placement and TACT works to recruit a family for that specific child. At TACT, we continue to believe there is a family out there for every child, but it can take time and strenuous efforts to find them.
“James was five years old when he was referred by his local authority for family finding. James is autistic and very lively. He was making really good progress with his foster carer but he needed an adoptive family who could help him continue to develop this full potential. His birth parents are African Caribbean and, ideally like a black family would best suit his needs and one eventually went forward.”
How does it work?
Once a child is referred, a consultation meeting is set up. After this, if the LA wishes to use the service a contract is drawn up. A social worker is allocated who reads the child files, prepares a profile of the child and talks to the foster carers and relevant professionals. A strategy is devised and adverts designed.
What is the initial consultation for?
To discuss the needs of the child a progress update - health, development work undertaken with the child, legal status and care planning; meeting with the respective professionals, access to the child’s file and outline of a profile.
How do you work in partnership with the local authority?
We work closely with the LA social workers and foster carers. Quarterly progress updates are provided. There will be regular discussions and reviews on the progress of family finding.
Can you place a child affected by foetal alcohol syndrome?
TACT provides a specialist service called ‘Foetally Affected Children’s Service (FACS)’ which provides advice and also undertakes specialist assessments of children who are foetally affected by alcohol. TACT has placed children with FASD (foetal alcohol spectrum disorder) with families for adoption and has experience in supporting such placements.
How is the family selected?
Following families’ response to an advert, an initial telephone conversation takes place. If appropriate an initial home visit and assessment is undertaken. If potentially suitable this would be discussed with the local authority and a joint visit arranged with the LA social worker. In discussion with the LA, a “preferred” family would be agreed upon. TACT undertakes a Perspective Adopters Report (PAR) assessment focussed on the how the family can meet that child’s needs. However, the LA might wish to carry out the assessment and this is negotiable as part of the contract.
What advertising do you do?
We advertise in the national press and would also advertise locally and here on our website. We will use photos and DVDs to promote the child’s need for a family. We can also send children’s profiles to our list of interested adopters.
How much does it cost?
The initial consultation will be a fixed fee plus travelling expenses. The rate will depend on whether we have an agreed provider agreement, number of children being referred etc. The other costs will be negotiated as part of the contract setting as it will depend on the amount of work, number of children, agreements about the level of partnership etc. We can arrange a fixed fee model or an hourly rate.
How long will it take?
The family finding for any child will be reviewed on a quarterly basis and a contract/agreements renewed according. Assuming family finding has been successful TACT will train, prepare and assess the applicants for the child’s placement. Experience tells us that finding families for children with greatest needs is both time consuming and placement times are usually at least six months and often over a year.
Publicity Agreements
Part of the contract will include agreements for publicity in a variety of mediums.
How do I find out more?
Ring the adoption team at TACT on 020 8695 8111 and we will try to answer your questions, or email adoptionduty@tactcare.org.uk
TACT Adoption Service, The Courtyard, 303 Hither Green Lane, Hither Green, London SE13 6TJ