(pdf, 494KB)Support when adopting
The process of becoming approved for adoption may initially seem daunting. However, help is on hand from the Adoption team, who are there to support you along the way.
During the application process
Early on in the process
You will be assigned an adoption team social worker. They will get to know you very well, as they work closely with you to complete both their own work in the assessment process and in supporting you becoming ready for adoption. The social worker will be able to offer counselling, advice and prepare you for post adoption; assessing your needs and supplying the appropriate support.
What happens after approval to adopt?
Support and help doesn’t stop once you have been approved. The adoption team will supply you with information based on your individual circumstances and will prepare you for the next steps in the process to adopt.
You’ll be given the option to be added to our adoption support database which will keep you up to date with:
- invitations to support events; and
- newsletters and information that will be relevant to you.
The adoption team also arranges a series of post-approval events which are specifically tailored to your requirements and needs.
What happens if I adopt a child who lives in Richmond borough?
All families that adopt a child from Richmond borough are entitled to an assessment of their adoption support needs. As well as looking at the child’s wellbeing, this will also look at any help that you, the adoptive parent(s), and relatives may require to make sure the placement is a success. An adoption team social worker will work closely with you and your family to ensure you have access to all the services you need.
What if I’m approved but adopt a child who lives outside of Richmond borough?
The Adoption team works very hard to find prospective adopters who will be able to adopt a child in the care of the borough. However the number and needs of children waiting to be adopted can change and it is sometimes more appropriate for prospective adopters to look at being matched with children from other local authorities. When a successful match is made with another borough, an Interagency Agreement is entered into:
- Adoption support is provided by the agency (local authority) that places the child with you for three years.
- After three years, support is provided to you from the local authority in which you live.
- We provide support to adoptive families we approve before and during the adoption process, and for one year after the child is placed, in addition to the adoption support provided by the placing local authority.
- After this time, the agencies can negotiate an agreement for this support to continue if it is appropriate.
Contact the Adoption team
Online
Call: 020 8891 7883
Email: adoption@richmond.gov.uk
Adoption and Permanency Team
42 York Street
Twickenham
TW1 3BW