Adoption
Adoption With Rochdale
What is Adoption?
There are some children in care who will never be able to return to their families and for some of these children fostering is not an appropriate solution. These children need a forever family and Adoption provides this.
Unlike Fostering, where the Local Authority remains involved, Adoptive families take full legal responsibility for the children they adopt, just as they would for their birth children. This responsibility is made possible by an Adoption Order granted by the Courts.
Who Can Adopt!
Adopters come from a wide variety of backgrounds and we welcome applicants from everyone regardless of their race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or language.
You must be at least 21 years old and while there is no upper age limit you will need to consider with us whether you will have the physical and emotional stamina to bring up a child.
There are certain criminal offences which will automatically prevent people becoming adopters (e.g. offences against children), however not all convictions prevent applicants being approved. We would discuss this with you.
All applicants must have a satisfactory medical examination and we undertake Criminal Records checks, other statutory checks and personal references.
Who Are The Children?
Adoption has changed a great deal over the last 10 years. There are now very few babies placed for adoption. Our main need is for people who will adopt a child over the age of four.
We also require adopters for Dual Heritage and Asian children and would welcome applicants from these communities.
The children placed have previous experiences which may have left them with feelings of separation, loss and distress. Their behaviour may be difficult as a result, though one of the most rewarding aspects of adoption is seeing your child become more secure and responsive to their new mummy and/or daddy.
What About Contact With The Child's Birth Family?
Many adopted children maintain contact with their birth family - usually via the Letterbox system - for a few there is direct contact with a trusted family member.
As an adoptive parent your name and address would not be given to the birth family and any direct contact could be supervised by the Adoption Team or other professionals.
How Do I Become An Adopter?
Since caring for children is such an important and responsible role it is necessary to go through a period of preparation and assessment in order for you to feel confident that Adoption is right for you and for us to feel you are right for adoption.
Telephone 01706 710750 and speak to the Duty Officer for more information.