Frequently Asked Questions about Adoption
Select a question from the list below.
Questions?
Answers
I would like to adopt. What is the first step?
The first step is for you to attend an adoption information session to hear more about adoption in Somerset. These sessions are held every 6 weeks in various locations across the County and are an opportunity for you to meet social workers and experienced adopters and discuss your interest further. Following the adoption information session you will be able to express an interest in adoption, which we will acknowledge. This is our record that you wish to adopt. Somerset County Council does not hold a waiting list of prospective adopters. Unfortunately, the expression of interest is not a guarantee that we will be able to take up your interest in adoption. The adoption process involves finding the right families for the children who need to be adopted. We have to prioritise expressions of interest according to the needs of the children we know will need to be adopted. If we feel that we may be able to proceed with your interest, we will offer you a preliminary interview to identify any issues at an early stage. This can take up to two hours and is an opportunity for you to tell us about your wish to adopt and your family circumstances.
Return to the questions »When can I apply to adopt?
If, following your interview it is felt that this is the right time for you to adopt and we agree that you are able to offer a prospective adoptive home that would match the needs of the children who need adoption in Somerset, we would invite you to make a formal application. You will need relevant experience of spending time with, caring for and being responsible for children, either through your work, caring for other people’s children, as well as your own, running or helping to run activities with children before making an application.
If you wish to make and we agree to accept an application, a support worker from the recruitment team will come to your home and collect your application form. She will also complete the other relevant paperwork for checks with you, such as the CRB consent form, a list of your previous addresses since you were aged 18yrs and your consent to a medical.
Return to the questions »Please get in touch if you have any questions which are not covered here. You can contact us on freephone 0800 587 9900 or by email on childrens@somerset.gov.uk.