From the point of formal application to approval as an adopter generally takes 6 months (information on applying|).
First steps
When you first contact Gateshead Adoption Team we will have a brief discussion with you over the phone before arranging a convenient time to visit you at home.
This visit is to discuss Gateshead's current need for adopters and your own wishes and personal circumstances in more detail.
It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
Help preparing for the task ahead
If we both agree it is right for your family to proceed, we will help prepare you for
the task ahead. We offer a specialist preparation group where you and others who are interested in adopting can meet with experienced adopters, social workers and adopted people to learn more about what is involved.
Adoption Panel Report
If after that we both still agree adoption is right for you, we will visit you in your home to prepare a report together for an Adoption Panel.
The report will describe
your interests, skills and abilities and will help the Adoption Panel decide if you would be suitable to be approved as adoptive parents.
Once you are approved, we will support you while you wait for a child to be placed with you. This can sometimes take several months but it is important that we find the right family for the right child.
We must make sure that as far as possible that any child who is placed for adoption is likely to be protected from harm. We do this in a number of ways:
We take up references with the:
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Criminal Records Bureau; NSPCC;
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the Department of Health;
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your Local Area Authority.
You must declare any caution or conviction - however minor - at the earlist possible stage.
Certain offences are specified by law which would prevent you from adopting - in particular any against children.
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We inspect your home and garden to advise you on any safety measures you may need to take such as fire safety, electric points, safety glass and garden ponds;
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We ask you about any animals you keep as pets around your home. If for example you have a dog, we ask you to complete a questionnaire to indicate whether the dog is likely to prove a risk to a child's safety. You are given information on dogs who have harmed children so that you can make an informed decision about this. We also provide information on how to introduce your pet to a child joining your family;
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We prefer to place children in non-smoking households. Because of the well documented risks of passive smoking, we will not place children under 2 years with applicants who smoke.