1. Information sharing or pre-registration

Information sharing or pre-registration

This is your first step. Don't jump into anything, speak to a variety of agencies and find the one you like the most, whether it's a statutory authority (council) or voluntary organisation. Each have their own benefits and once you decide on one you like they will be with you throughout the process. We did not do this, and although we found our wonderful children, the authority we went with was appallingly bad. I’m not going to go into lots of details about this as this is not the purpose of my blog, but I can try and draw on our experience to try and help others.


I’m sure you are already doing your research and there is loads of information out there. Coram Adoption has a good information pack on their website:
http://www.coramadoption.org.uk/about-adoption/adoption-process?gclid=CJmN0Zbe4tQCFUyx7QodvwQPlg

First 4 Adoption also have a good website:


Talk to each other, your friends and family. Lots of people are often surprised how many people have had experience of adoption that they were not aware of before. Some of the agencies may send you information packs or invite you to local information evenings, which I would recommend if adoption is new to you.

Make a list of questions that spring to mind and additional information you might want before you go. This will be a good opportunity to talk through any initial anxieties and will give you a broad overview of the adoption process. Once you have decided on the agency they may do a home visit; where a social worker will go through the process, timescales and general discussions about adoption and what to expect.

I often hear that some people find the idea of having a social worker coming to their home terrifying. There is a massive misconception of the social work profession. But don’t be intimidated; they are not there to judge you, they are usually really nice people who are passionate about supporting adopters and children. I imagine that having this informal meeting helps to alleviate this anxiety.

Sometimes doing this will make people question whether they are ready for such a commitment or they may come to the conclusion they need a little more time. We established years ago that adopting was something we both wanted, but we came to the conclusion the time was not right. So we waited until we were in a position where we could fully commit and had support around us if we needed it. Alternatively, there are a lot of people out there who have thought about adoption but did not think they were ready or did not think they would be able to. Adopters come in all ages, shapes and sizes so even if it is a fleeting thought give an agency a call and ask some questions.

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