Life-long commitment, endless support and unconditional love- parenting is one of the biggest steps you can possibly take in life. And for those who wish to adopt more than one child, this commitment will be doubled. Two mouths to feed, two packed lunches and two lots of awkward teenage years. And demanding though it may be, there will also be two lots of fantastic memories and amazing individuals in your life. Are you ready for the challenge? Find out everything you need to know about the adoption process.
Adopting More Than One Child
The first thing to note is that the process of adopting more than one child is exactly the same as the process to adopt just one child.
Some people are approved to adopt two children at the same time. For example this could be brothers and sisters already placed together in foster care who need a family to keep them together.
Conversely, some people wish to adopt one child and further down the line contact the agency to adopt a second child. This could be a blood relation to the first child, or it could be a separate child altogether.
Siblings who are currently in foster care and need a family forever can often be left waiting longer to find a match. Of course we appreciate that the prospect of adopting 2 or even 3 children is daunting and so if there are adults out there who would like to take on the challenge, Adopt Wales would love to hear from them.
Initial Steps
It’s important to note that once the court grants an adoption order you will become the children’s legal parent. The rights and responsibilities of the birth parents will be transferred to you and the children will become a core part of your family forever.
Sometimes it’s all too easy to get carried away by the idea of parenthood to think concisely. Before you go ahead and contact your local adoption agency, consider these steps:
- If you have had issues with infertility in the past ask yourself if you are ready to move on. And if not, try to gain closure on the situation before beginning the emotional journey to adoption.
- Timing is essential, ask yourself if this is the right time financially and emotionally to go forth with adoption.
Contacting an Agency
Once you are definite that you want to go ahead with adoption, contact your local adoption agency. They will be able to offer you further information on the requirements and send you a detailed information pack. You will then be invited to an information evening where you can find out more and meet like-minded people who are also going through the adoption process.
Home Visit
After the initial stage is complete, a member of the agency will pay you a home visit to explain the adoption process to you in further detail. This is a chance for you to ask one-on-one questions and clear up any queries you may have on the process.
Preparation Training
Shortly after your visit you will be invited to begin preparation training which will prepare you for your assessment and the remainder of your adoption journey.
The Assessment
This is the biggest part of the process and will be very thorough. During the assessment you will be asked many questions and put through your paces, however your local adoption agency will be on hand to support you through the entire process. The length of time an assessment can take to complete varies, but as a rough estimate 6 months is the average. A social worker will lead the assessment.
During the assessment the social worker will discuss how many children you wish to adopt and discuss with you how you would manage both emotionally and financially if you were to adopt more than one child at the same time. Consider whether or not you have enough space in your home for more than one child.
Finding a Match
Congratulations, you have been approved to be an adopter. Now it’s time to find the right match for you and your family. Your adoption agency will work with you to try and find the best match possible.
Adopt Wales are a group of agencies situated all across South Wales. To find out more about the adoption process contact one of our agencies today and a team member will be happy to help.