Adoption in Kent

We know that families can experience challenges and need support at different times during their lives. We have a national programme of family support and therapy services (including adoptive parents of disabled children), for those who may be experiencing some difficulties.

Our experienced team of professionals focus can provide caring, specialist support throughout the entire adoption process, and after the child or children moves into your home.

Initial enquiry and visit

After receiving your enquiry, we’ll send you an information pack followed by a pre-planned phone call to answer more specific questions you may have about adoption and your personal circumstances. We’ll then arrange to visit you at home to explain the process in more detail and find out a little more about you and your family. This is an initial introductory visit only and does not commit you to anything.

Registration of interest (ROI)

Following the visit if you wish to proceed we’ll send you a registration of interest form (ROI) and stage one pack to you to complete including your consent to allow us to make a number of checks such as police checks, references from local authority (social services), your mortgage provider or landlord, employer, personal references and a full medical check.

The pre-assessment process (stage one)

Your social worker will work with you to develop personalised plans for preparation, training and assessment. During this stage we’ll ask you to explore why you want to adopt, whether adoption is right for you and what you could offer a child. It’s expected that pre-assessment will be completed in two months.

Preparation training

We’ll also invite you to start preparation training. This will give you an opportunity to explore your expectations of adopting. You’ll meet other people who want to adopt and people who’ve already adopted. After pre-assessment and preparation training has been completed, a decision will be made by us about whether you’re suitable to proceed to assessment (stage two).

The assessment process (stage two)

During the assessment, your social worker will explore your life story and family history. If you’ve children at home, they will also need to get to know them and understand how they feel about adoption. The worker will then complete a Prospective Adopter’s Report (PAR) to be presented to the adoption panel. Stage two Assessment is usually completed within four months.

Adoption panel and approval

The adoption panel will consider the information provided and you’ll be invited to meet them in person. They’ll then make a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker (ADM) about whether you’re suitable to adopt.

Family finding/matching

When you’re an approved adopter we’ll start looking for a child or children who would fit well with you and your family. This is called ‘matching’. Your social worker will support you in looking at profiles and expressing an interest in a child or sibling group whose needs you feel you can meet.