Steps to becoming an adoptive parent

Step 5: The Adoption Panel

The panel consists of up to four people which will include social workers, and other professionals and possibly adopters. You will attend the panel supported by the social worker who completed your assessment.

The panel will have read your assessment and will discuss your application with you. The panel will then make a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker about your approval or otherwise.

The Agency Decision Maker will decide within 14 days of the panel meeting if you are to be approved.

If you are approved as a prospective adopter you will also be approved as a nominal foster carer to enable a child to be placed with you.