Adoption in Hampshire
Support if your child is being adopted
It may be distressing to hear that the local authority is considering a plan to place your child for adoption. You may be angry and upset and want to avoid having anything to do with your child’s social workers. However, it is very important for you to stay involved to ensure that we know what your views are and that we have all the correct information about you and your family so that any decisions about your child are made on the correct basis, including whether any other family members could offer to care for your child.
Birth parents are able to have access to a counsellor independent of their child’s social worker, as soon as the local authority definitely decide that adoption is to be their plan for the child.
Birth parents of children being placed for adoption, are also entitled to counselling, advice and information about adoption and related issues. This includes an explanation of the adoption process so that you know what is going to happen and what it means for you. You will be able to talk through any worries you have about the adoption and your views about the plan.
If your child is to be placed for adoption, as a parent you may ask the local authority to assess your support needs. This might include support for contact arrangements, including engaging family mediation services to help resolve difficulties or tensions arising over contact, financial support with the costs incurred during contact visits or assistance with writing letters to the adoptive parents or your child.
If you are not happy about your child being adopted, you should contact your support worker and a solicitor who specialises in child care cases. Legal Aid may be available if you need it. You can also contact the Family Rights Group who will provide you with support and advice.
Related links
- Citizens Advice Bureau - advice and information
- The Law Society - to find a solicitor
- British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) - a national organisation providing advice and information about adoption and fostering
- DirectGov - advice and information
- Family Rights Group - advice and support for families whose children are involved with social services
- NORCAP - National Organisation for Counselling Adoptees and their Parents - (supporting Adults who are affected by adoption)
- After Adoption - an organisation helping everyone affected by adoption
- Post-Adoption Centre - advice and information
- Your guide to adopting a child - New changes in the law - download the free document
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