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Adoption Service |
What is adoption? Some people get confused between adoption and fostering.
Adoption is a legal process, which gives the adoptive parents all the rights, duties and responsibilities of natural parents. Once the Court gives the final approval for adoption, the new parents assume full parental responsibility for the child just as if he/she had been born to them. Foster carers on the other hand share the care with the Health & Social Services Trust, they never assume legal responsibility for the child. In many cases children return to their family.
What kinds of children are offered for adoption?
All kinds. There are always more adopters available than children. Traditionally people think of adoption in terms of babies. In fact, nowadays most adoptions are of older children and family groups, some children may have been neglected, abused, or have a disability. In many situations children will maintain some contact with parents and/or siblings.
What are the rules governing adoption?
People wishing to make an adoption application must be …
- Over the age of 21 years and not more than 40 years older than the child to be adopted
- Single people can apply to adopt
- Childless applicants will be expected to have sought medical advice about their infertility.
- An assessment will not be undertaken whilst a person is actively pursuing infertility treatment and for one year thereafter
- Once an enquiry has been made to the Trust and the potential suitability has been agreed, applicant(s)’ name(s) will be added to a waiting list for assessment
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
- You will be required to attend a six-week course “Preparing to Adopt”. This course will be led by a social worker and an adoptive parent. This is an opportunity for your questions to be answered and for you to learn more about the whole process.
- Because there are so many people wanting to adopt it may take some time for an assessment to be commenced.
- Before the assessment (known as the Home Study) starts, a social worker will explain the process.
- There will be approximately 8/9 visits, which will take place every two weeks. You will be expected to make yourself available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
HOW TO APPLY:
Further information and an adoption application form known as an AO1 can be obtained from this office:
FAMILY PLACEMENT SERVICE
2 OLD LURGAN ROAD
PORTADOWN BT63 5SG
TEL: 028 3833 7181