How to Adopt

• Referral
• Criteria
• Children
• Disclosure + Barring Service
• Reference Checks
• Preparation Groups

Reference Checks

Adoption Agencies are required to undertake a number of checks in respect of applicants, to ensure that adoptive parents do not pose a risk to the children placed with them.

Adoption Focus will obtain the following information:

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on the prospective adopters and any other adult members of the household.
• If you have lived or worked abroad, a police check may be required from the relevant country.
• Details of any family court proceedings in which you have been involved.
• The views of the Probation Service, if you have been subject to their supervision.
• Written reports of interviews with three personal referees. One is a relative; the other two are people who know you well. At least one of the referees should have known you for a minimum of five years. If you are making an application as a couple, the referee should know both of you. If the referee is a couple, we would expect to interview both, and this will count as only one reference.
• A report from the Local Authority where you live, which sets out information which may be relevant to the assessment. If you have moved within the last 10 years, and your Local Authority has changed, checks will be also be made with the other areas.
• If you have been married previously, or had a previous ‘significant’ relationship and you have jointly parented or cared for a child, a reference will be sought from the previous partner. Previous partners (where children have not been involved) may also be contacted.
• If you have had a number of recent house moves, a check will be made with the NSPCC or other agency responsible for maintaining the child protection register.
• A written report from your GP about your health, after a full medical examination. Further reports may be sought if you have been receiving treatment for a chronic or acute condition, and a consultant is involved in your care - a report may be requested.
• Details and verification of your income and outgoings.
• A written reference from your current employer, and (if you have moved within the last 10 years) your previous employer.
• A written reference from your child’s school or health visitor - if you have children.
  

If you decide to formally apply to be assessed as an adopter - following the Initial Visit, you will be asked to give your consent to the checks being made. It is important to note that we will contact your referees, your employer, your child’s school, and any previous partners soon after receipt of the application form and signed consent. It is important to advise them that they will be contacted. If you have any concerns arising from this, please let us know as soon as possible