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The local authority attempts to find adoptive homes for children who are no longer able to live in their own homes. The authority reviews applications from prospective adoptive parents to assess suitability. Ongoing support is provided for adopted children and their new families.
It is the responsibility of the Adoption Service to recruit, train, assess and approve adoptive families who can meet the needs of Looked After Children whose care plan is adoption. The team also family finds for children whose needs cannot be met by an in-borough resource.
Members of the public interested in becoming adoptive parents can contact the Adoption team via the duty telephone system, by letter, by email or by attending one of the team’s monthly information sessions which are publicised in the local press. All enquiries are processed in line with the Adoption Minimum Standards in terms of timescales, and it is made clear to enquirers that priority is given to applicants who are able to meet the needs of the children waiting for adoption in Enfield. Prospective adopters are then invited to attend a 4 day preparation training as well as undergoing a comprehensive assessment as to their suitability to parent vulnerable children. All prospective adopters need to have medicals, statutory checks undertaken, references followed up and Criminal Record Bureau checks in line with the Adoption and Children Act 2002 Regulations. Every effort is made to match children with adopters who can meet their assessed needs, and prospective adopters are given support throughout this process by a named linkworker.
The Adoption Support Service has responsibilities to work with adoptive families in the borough to promote the best interests of adopted children, as well as work with birth families, and adopted adults. Enfield has Service Level Agreements with 2 independent service providers, the Post Adoption Centre and After Adoption where birth relatives and adoptive families can be referred for an independent service. Applicants interested in overseas adoption are referred to the Norwood Adoption Agency with whom Enfield has a Service Level Agreement.
Eligibility
In line with legislation there are no blanket bans on who can enquire about adoption, however priority is given to those applicants who can meet the needs of the children in Enfield waiting for an adoptive family. The circumstances of each individual enquirer are considered in this light.
Required Customer Information
All documentation to facilitate the CRB Check i.e. passport, birth certificate, letter to prove postal address, driving licence, marriage/divorce certificates.
Documentation to prove financial status
Details of 6 referees.
Service Level Agreement and Turnaround
Written information sent within 5 working days of enquiry.
Initial visit/invitation to an information meeting within 2 months.
Completion of home study assessment within 8 months of receipt of application form.
More information about this service
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