Adoption

Adoption is when a child or young person placed in your home becomes a member of your family through a legal Adoption Order granted by a Sheriff. The new parent or parents take on all the rights and responsibilities of natural parents. The adopted child takes the name of the family and becomes a permanent member of that family just as a birth child does.

Prospective adopters can apply to be considered for children in one of two age ranges or both.

0-5 years

There are very few children within this age range who require adoption. In recognition of this Argyll and Bute has a practice of limiting the number of families seeking to adopt in this age range at any one time. We believe this to be fairer to couples who can wait a very long time for the opportunity of a placement. The position is different for families who can make a commitment to a child affected by disability.

5+ years

Adopters of older children are very much in demand and there are a number of children in Argyll and Bute within this category. We are also involved in the West of Scotland Consortium, Scottish Network and BAAF link all of which help to bring children and families together in placement. The older child requiring adoption will have experienced separation and loss and could well present attachment problems or he/she may have experienced neglect or abuse in the early years.

Adoption, therefore can be a real challenge. Children may display many aspects of emotional distress. This can result in some difficult behavior which will require a lot of patience and understanding. Nevertheless, it can be very rewarding to see the child settle and become part of the family. Many of these children are desperate to be part of a "normal "family

Throughout the process of Adoption there is ongoing support from the social workers involved particularly until the adoption order is granted. However, we are also committed to offering post adoption support and we are available as and when the need is there.

Adoption allowances are also available in certain circumstances. This tends to be in the adoption of difficult to place children or large family groups. The decision to pay allowances is made through the Approval and Matching Panel. The allowance does not affect your benefits and adopters are entitled to Family Allowance.