Preparation courses
Considering Adoption is a big step for any person, and it is helpful to have some preparation and training in order to make sure you feel you are making the right decision.
Those wishing to adopt are therefore expected to attend a preparation and training course before starting.
The course will take place over 3 or 4 days, sometimes at weekends and sometimes on weekdays and evenings. We try to arrange times that are convenient to you. If you have particular topics you would like covered, please let us know. The size of the group will vary from time to time, but should be no more than 12. It will be lead by two members of IAS TACT and will be a friendly and hopefully enjoyable time. There are no tests, but, lots of opportunities to learn and share and discuss subjects relevant to your application.
The Course will cover:- The adoption process, including who does what, the role of social workers, Social Services, the Adoption Register and Voluntary Adoption Agencies
- The legal framework and National Adoption Standards
- Timescales-how long will it all take
- Preparation for what is involved in the home study assessment process, including how the different parts of the process are linked and brought together in reports to the Adoption Panel
- The role of the Independent Review mechanism
- Basic parenting skills and basic child development information
- The backgrounds of children available for adoption, including adversities
- The perspective of the birth family
- Separation, loss and attachment
- The 'adoption' perspective, including children's identity, their birth heritage, openness and working with contact
- Responding to children who have been traumatised by neglect and abuse
- Caring for sibling groups
- Understanding and managing complex health care needs
- Issues of equality including ethnicity, disability, religion and sexual orientation
- Legal issues in adoption including the rights of adopters
- Adoption support including advocating for health and education services
- Availability of ongoing training for adoptive families
- Meeting and learning from experienced adopters, including managing stress and 'stickability'
At the end of the course, you will be asked to fill in a short questionnaire to let us know how helpful the course has been to you. This information helps us plan the next course.
Also, at the end of the course, the course leaders will sit down with you to talk over and agree on a brief written record of what you think you got out of the course, and issues you would like to talk over in more detail with the social worker, or any concerns the course leader has about your application. This record will form part of the assessment that goes to the adoption panel.
