Adoptions in the UK...I need clarification please?

Question

I've been getting more confused about adoptions in the UK in recent days.  Specifically, the role of Social Services.

During the 6 weeks the natural parents have to make a decision to relinquish their parental rights...where does the child go?  It's my understanding that PAPs are sought when a child is possibly going to be placed.

If adoption is the choice, how open can the adoption be?

If Social Services is the only authority of adoptions, does that contribute to the "abductions" of babies for PAPs?  Meaning...they have control over what qualifies as "good parenting" AND they have access to the children AND they spend 6 weeks grooming an adoptive family?

I think other Canadians would generally agree that here, the children in care are not taken as babies for placement (meaning termination of parental rights).  In fact, we seem to have a problem with languishing children.  I concede that there are some abuses of course.  This is in general terms.

Our son's first mum hated the system in the UK.  She did her research.  And some regulars here helped me forward more.  She was badly treated by the social worker.  Was told she would have little or no contact with her son if placed there.  For her, bonding with her child while making a choice (which I agree with BTW), over 6 weeks and then being denied access after that seemed cruel.

So, to settle it in my mind...can someone clarify for me?

Many thanks, as always.

? · Accepted Answer

My son was in foster care (foster parents) until he was 6 weeks then he went to paps who were at the adoption agency's waiting list.  As far as I'm aware this still happens.

7rin · Answer

Foster care if there's no APs wanting it, and straight to the APs if they do want it.

I'm not convinced that's the way it's meant to be, but everything I've seen points at this being the way it's done.

Taken from: http://www.adoptionuk.org/information/103075/faqs/...

<quote>

I am considering giving up my child for adoption – what should I do?

You need to contact your local social services department, which has an obligation to provide counselling and information, and to give you written information about the legal consequences of giving your consent to adoption.

A birth father without parental responsibility is not required or entitled to consent to placement for adoption but if the department knows who he is and decides it is appropriate they must counsel and advise him.

This is an enormous decision to make and we would urge you to arrange some counselling to support you through it. We strongly recommend that you contact the Natural Parents Network http://www.n-p-n.fsnet.co.uk/

</quote>

Personally, I think it's fluckin' disgraceful that they don't even HAVE TO consider dads - at least in the bad ol' US of A *some* dads have a chance to get to have a say.

http://www.care4child.org/adoption-in-staffordshir... is my LAs pretense at "open adoptions" - though I'm sure that if it's a voluntary ABANDONMENT, then it's more between the bfam's and APs preferences than it is the SSs.

Types of contact listed @ http://www.adoptionuk.org/information/226368/types...

Following taken from: http://www.baaf.org.uk/info/adoption#legal

<quote>

How is adoption made legal?

There are certain minimum periods for which the child must live with the adopters before an adoption order can be made, or, in England and Wales, before an application can be made to the court. The precise details vary very slightly depending on the country concerned and the circumstances in which the child came to live with the adopters.

A birth mother cannot give consent to adoption until her child is at least six weeks old. Where birth parents do not agree, there is a process for the agreement to be independently witnessed. The detailed process varies according to the legislation of the particular country in the UK.

If birth parents do not agree to adoption, there are circumstances in which the court can override their wishes. Again the detailed process will depend on which country is involved. In many cases the question of consent will be considered by the court before the child is placed for adoption. A children’s guardian (England and Wales) or a curator ad litem (Scotland) or a Guardian ad litem (Northern Ireland) will be appointed by the court to investigate and give advice to the court on the child’s best interests. In some circumstances, it will be necessary for the question of consent to be considered when the adopters actually apply for the final adoption order.

</quote>

And from the same page but a bit further down: http://www.baaf.org.uk/info/adoption#contact

<quote>

Do birth parents and other relatives have any contact with their child after adoption?

It is common for there to be an exchange of written information, perhaps once or twice a year, via the adoption agency.

There will be unique arrangements for each individual child which may mean direct contact for some children with various members of their birth family, including grandparents and brothers and sisters who may be placed elsewhere. Sometimes there will also be contact with birth parents - if this is best for the child.

</quote>

Finally, http://www.baaf.org.uk/res/links.shtml links to legislation.

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Adoptions in the UK...I need clarification please?

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