Adoption

Adoption is one of the biggest decisions that can be made about a child's future, so it is never made quickly.

Throughout the process there will be regular meetings called reviews, where professionals talk about what is best for you. Your views, wishes and feelings are an important part of these discussions, and you should always have the chance to share how you feel.

If everyone believes adoption is the right plan, your social worker will prepare a detailed report about you, your needs and your future.

This report is then considered by an Adoption Panel.

An Adoption Panel is a group of experienced people who help make sure adoption is the right plan for each child.

The panel includes professionals and independent members with experience of adoption and children's services.

They carefully read your social worker's report and ask questions about your needs, your wishes and what kind of family would help you thrive.

Their role is to make recommendations that help ensure every child is matched with the right family.

Finding the right family is about much more than finding a home. It is about finding people who can love, support and understand you throughout your life.

When choosing an adoptive family we will always consider:

• Your personality and interests

• Your emotional and practical needs

• Your culture, religion and family background

• Your language and identity

• Whether you have brothers or sisters who should stay together

• The type of family who can help you feel safe, happy and supported

Sometimes the right family is found quickly. Sometimes it can take longer because we want to find the best possible match.

Your new family may live in Wirral or elsewhere in the UK.

Before you move in, you'll have time to get to know your new family.

This usually starts by looking at photographs, reading information about them and sometimes watching a short video of their home and family.

You'll gradually spend more time together through introductions, beginning with short visits and building up over several weeks.

When everyone feels ready, you'll move into your new home.

Every family is different, so there isn't one answer for everyone.

Some children continue to have contact with members of their birth family, while for others this isn't possible or isn't the right thing to do.

Your social worker will help you understand what contact is appropriate and support you with any questions or feelings you may have.

Even if you don't see your birth family in person, you may still be able to exchange letters, cards or photographs if this is agreed to be in your best interests.

A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is another way of providing a child with a safe and stable home without adoption.

A Special Guardian becomes responsible for making most day-to-day decisions about your life, including things like school, healthcare and where you live.

Unlike adoption:

• Your birth parents remain your legal parents.

• The order lasts until you turn 18.

• Some important decisions, such as changing your name or adoption, may still involve your birth parents.

If you are living under a Special Guardianship Order, you are no longer in care, although the local authority may continue to offer support where appropriate.

Once you've been living with your adoptive family for a while, they can apply to the court for an Adoption Order.

A judge will meet you, your adoptive family and your social worker before making the final decision.

When the Adoption Order is made:

• Your adoptive parents become your legal parents.

• Your birth parents and the local authority no longer have parental responsibility.

• You receive a new birth certificate showing your adoptive family details.

• You become a permanent member of your new family.

An Adoption Order lasts for life.

Unlike other legal orders relating to children, adoption is permanent. It gives you the security of knowing you are legally part of your family forever.

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving and supportive family.

When finding an adoptive family we aim to:

• Find the right family without unnecessary delays.

• Keep brothers and sisters together whenever this is in their best interests.

• Respect each child's culture, religion, language and identity.

• Listen to children's wishes and involve them in decisions wherever possible.

• Support children to understand their experiences and build confidence.

• Create a Life Story Book that explains their journey and why adoption became the right plan.

• Help children keep photographs, memories and belongings that are important to them.

• Offer support to birth families throughout the adoption process.

• Maintain contact with birth family members or other important people where it is safe and beneficial.

• Keep adoption records safely so adopted people can access information about their history when they are older, if they choose to.

Our goal is always to help children find a family where they feel safe, loved, respected and able to build a happy future.