Steps to becoming an adoptive parent

Step 7: The Matching 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 your family finding social worker. The child’s social worker, the current foster carer and the foster carers social worker.

The panel will have read your report and minute of your approval panel, the minute of the professionals meeting and the child’s report. The panel will discuss the proposed match and then make a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker.

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