Enquiry stage

This is your chance to explore whether adoption is right for you.

You can contact us by phone, email or by attending one of our information events to ask questions and learn more about adoption.

After an initial home visit, you'll be given a Registration of Interest (ROI) form. This is your formal application to begin the adoption process.

 

Stage 1: Checks, references and preparation

Approximate timeframe: 2 months

Once Stage 1 begins, you'll be allocated a dedicated assessing social worker who will support you throughout the process.

Checks

With your permission, we'll request checks from:

  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
  • Health Authority
  • Local Authority (including any authorities where you've previously lived)
  • Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (CSSIW)
  • Your child's school and/or health visitor (if applicable)

You'll also complete a full medical assessment with your GP, which is reviewed by the Local Authority's medical advisor.

Employment and Personal References

We'll request references from:

  • Your current employer or volunteering organisation (if applicable)
  • Three personal referees
  • Any non-resident adult children (if applicable)
  • Any previous long-term partners (we understand this may be sensitive and will support you through it)

Adoption Preparation Training

You'll be invited to our 4-day preparation course, which helps you learn more about adoption and decide whether it's right for you.

If you're applying as a couple, you both need to attend all sessions.

 

Stage 2: Assessment

Approximate timeframe: 4 months

Stage 2 focuses on understanding your circumstances and readiness to adopt, while also giving you time to deepen your understanding of adoption and the needs of children who may be placed with you.

It begins with an assessment agreement meeting, followed by 6 weekly sessions with your social worker. You'll also attend additional training.

We'll explore:

  • Your motivation to adopt
  • Your experiences of growing up
  • Any challenging life events
  • Your relationship (if applying as a couple)
  • Your lifestyle, values and support network
  • Your experience with children
  • What types of needs or behaviours you feel able to support
  • Your thoughts around financial commitments, contact arrangements and caring for a child with disabilities

Your social worker will then complete your Prospective Adopter Report (PAR), which you will be able to read and comment on.

 

The Adoption Panel

Your PAR is presented to the Adoption Panel, and you'll be invited to attend with your social worker.

The panel includes social workers, a medical advisor, an adopted adult, an adoptive parent, and other independent members.

The Panel will make a recommendation about your suitability to adopt, which is reviewed within 7 days. You'll receive verbal feedback of their recommendation within 24 hours and written confirmation within 14 days.

If you're not approved, you can make representations to the Adoption Panel or request an Independent Review Panel.

 

After Approval: Matching and Placement

Once approved, we'll work with you to find the right match.

If a local match isn't identified, we will refer you to the Wales Adoption Register, so you can be considered for children across Wales.