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282 <h2>
282 Inter Country Adoption
282 </h2>
284 </div>
287 <div id="scope_box">
288 <h3>
288 SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
288 </h3>
289 <p>
289 This procedure applies to the assessment and approval of applicants resident in the UK who wish to
adopt a child who is resident abroad; it also covers the procedures to be followed by the Adoption
Service in relation to the placement of a child resident abroad with approved adopters.
289 </p>
290 <p>
290 For procedures in relation to the placement of a child resident in the UK with adopters resident
overseas, see
290 <a href="p_place_adop.html">
290 Placement for Adoption Procedure
290 </a>
290 .
290 </p>
291 <h3>
291 RELATED GUIDANCE
291 </h3>
292 <p>
292 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/adoption-support-fund-asf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
292 Adoption Support Fund
292 </a>
292 </p>
293 <p>
293 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/child-adoption/adopting-a-child-from-overseas" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
293 Adopting a Child from Overseas, GOV.UK
293 </a>
293 </p>
294 <h3>
294 RELEVANT CHAPTER
294 </h3>
295 <p>
295 <a href="p_assess_approval.html">
295 Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters Procedure
295 </a>
295 </p>
296 <h3>
296 AMENDMENT
296 </h3>
297 <p>
297 <a href="#home_study">
297 Section 8, Home Study
297 </a>
297 was updated in October 2018 to include a link to GOV.UK Benefits.
297 </p>
298 </div>
299 <div id="sections">
301 <h3 id="sections_list">
301 Contents
301 </h3>
302 <ol>
303 <li>
303 <a href="#intro">
303 Introduction
303 </a>
303 </li>
304 <li>
304 <a href="#responding">
304 Responding to Requests for Information
304 </a>
304 </li>
305 <li>
305 <a href="#initial_meeting">
305 Initial Meeting
305 </a>
305 </li>
306 <li>
306 <a href="#formal_app">
306 Formal Application
306 </a>
306 </li>
307 <li>
307 <a href="#prep_group">
307 Preparation Groups
307 </a>
307 </li>
308 <li>
308 <a href="#health">
308 Health
308 </a>
308 </li>
309 <li>
309 <a href="#checks_ref">
309 Checks and References
309 </a>
309 </li>
310 <li>
310 <a href="#home_study">
310 Home Study
310 </a>
310 </li>
311 <li>
311 <a href="#presentation">
311 Presentation to the Adoption Panel
311 </a>
311 </li>
312 <li>
312 <a href="#after_recomm">
312 After the Adoption Panel's Recommendation
312 </a>
312 </li>
313 <li>
313 <a href="#represent">
313 Representations / Review Procedure
313 </a>
313 </li>
314 <li>
314 <a href="#after_approval">
314 After Approval
314 </a>
314 </li>
315 <li>
315 <a href="#matching">
315 Matching
315 </a>
315 </li>
316 <li>
316 <a href="#post_place">
316 Post Placement Duties
316 </a>
316 </li>
317 <li>
317 <a href="#post_adop_supp">
317 Post Adoption Support
317 </a>
317 </li>
318 <li>
318 <a href="#placement_breakdown">
318 Placement Breakdowns
318 </a>
318 </li>
319 <li>
319 <a href="#rev_prosp">
319 Review of Prospective Adopter's Approval
319 </a>
319 </li>
320 </ol>
321 <h3 id="intro">
321 1. Introduction
321 </h3>
322 <p>
322 Applications for overseas adoption can only be accepted from residents of the local authority's
area.
322 </p>
323 <p>
323 Applications will be accepted from couples or single people.
323 </p>
324 <p>
324 Applicants will be expected to identify one country from which they wish to adopt and should have
a good understanding of that country's culture and be able to demonstrate that understanding.
Applicants will be expected to bring any adopted child up in the knowledge that he/she is adopted
and to preserve and promote the child's cultural and ethnic origin.
324 </p>
325 <p>
325 There is a charge for the assessment process for applicants.
325 </p>
326 <p>
326 Bexley has a contract with the Inter country adoption centre (IAC) to carry out all enquiries and
registration of interests. Families enquiring about Inter country adoption are signposted to the
IAC.
326 </p>
327 <h4>
327 Contact details
327 </h4>
328 <p>
328 <span class="bold">
328 Tel
328 </span>
328 : 0208 449 2562
328 <br>
329 <span class="bold">
329 Website
329 </span>
329 :
329 <a href="http://www.icacentre.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
329 www.icacentre.org.uk
329 </a>
329 <br>
330 <span class="bold">
330 Email
330 </span>
330 :
330 <a href="mailto:info@icacentre.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
330 info@icacentre.org.uk
330 </a>
330 <br>
331 </p>
332 <h3 id="responding">
332 2. Responding to Requests for Information
332 </h3>
333 <p>
333 All requests for information about inter country adoption made by telephone or letter will be
responded to promptly. Staff in the Adoption Service will establish that the caller lives in the
local authority area and if so, send an Adoption Information Pack relating to both domestic and
inter country adoption within 5 working days. An Initial Enquiry Form should be completed in
relation to each enquiry received and Information Pack sent.
333 </p>
334 <p>
334 The Information Pack will include information about the nature and implications of adoption, the
procedures involved in adopting a child domestically and from overseas, the assessment and
post-approval process and charges, the checks required in relation to the prospective adopters and
members of the household, and the likely time-scale involved. The information will also include
expectations of prospective adopters and how the adoption agency prioritises applications to adopt
children from outside the UK and looked after children, including how they are referred to other
adoption agencies.
334 </p>
335 <p>
335 The information will also relate to the preparation and support services available to adopters
(made available before, during and after adoption), including addresses and other contact points
of other agencies that may be able to assist the prospective adopters particularly in relation to
any specific requirements of different countries, for example the Department for Education
website.
335 </p>
336 <p>
336 Those receiving the Information Pack will be asked to contact the Adoption Service if they wish to
know more and proceed further.
336 </p>
337 <h3 id="initial_meeting">
337 3. Initial Meeting
337 </h3>
338 <p>
338 Those who contact the Adoption Service to know more will be invited to the office or visited at
home or invited to an Information Meeting, to explore the main issues. It is expected that where
prospective adopters are a couple, both will be present.
338 </p>
339 <p>
339 The purposes of the initial meeting are:
339 </p>
340 <ul>
341 <li>
341 To explore why the prospective adopters wish to adopt, whether they have considered domestic
adoption and how fully they understand the issues and challenges involved in adopting from
overseas;
341 </li>
342 <li>
342 To discuss the need to identify personal referees, the process of Disclosure and Barring Service
and other required checks including full medical reports;
342 </li>
343 <li>
343 To discuss and advise on any factors that may have an adverse effect on their application
including any health problems, previous police convictions, age restrictions for such countries
as China, financial status and particularly whether they are in receipt of any public funds that
may affect their application;
343 </li>
344 <li>
344 To identify tasks that the prospective adopters will need to complete before proceeding to a
formal application, including the need to have identified the country from which they wish to
adopt and the relevant regulations for that country;
344 </li>
345 <li>
345 If the prospective adopters have not identified the country from which they wish to adopt, they
should be encouraged to consider this and to begin to develop their knowledge of the country
chosen;
345 </li>
346 <li>
346 To answer as far as possible any questions the prospective adopters may have regarding inter
country adoption;
346 </li>
347 <li>
347 To explain clearly the law relating to inter country adoption and the need to comply with the
relevant requirements, including whether they meet the relevant requirements as to Domicile and
Habitual Residence (all prospective adopters must either be domiciled or have been habitually
resident in Great Britain for a minimum of one year) - see
347 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/child-adoption/adopting-a-child-from-overseas" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
347 Intercountry Adoption and Resident Status Requirements
347 </a>
347 (The entry clearance requirements vary depending upon the circumstances of each case and
prospective adopters will need to obtain their own independent legal advice to establish the
requirements that apply to their individual circumstances.);
347 </li>
348 <li>
348 To explain the implications for the adoption process of whether the chosen country is a
Designated Country or a Non-Designated Country, and whether the Hague Convention applies;
348 </li>
349 <li>
349 To outline the process involved in adopting a child from overseas;
349 </li>
350 <li>
350 To identify the adoption service's expectations of the prospective adopters, including their
attendance at Preparation Groups, their commitment to the home study process and their
commitment to complete pieces of work themselves as part of the home study;
350 </li>
351 <li>
351 To explain the Council's charges for the home study and the charges involved in attending
Preparation Groups. Also to explain that the charges are non refundable and are payable
regardless of whether or not the applicants are approved.
351 </li>
352 </ul>
353 <h3 id="formal_app">
353 4. Formal Application
353 </h3>
354 <p>
354 If the prospective applicants wish to proceed further with an application after the initial
meeting, they will be sent a application form to complete and return, together with the an invoice
for the fee for the home study report and checks.
354 </p>
355 <p>
355 People who wish to adopt a child from overseas and earn £45,000 per year or less can apply for a
fee reduction. More information on entitlement to a fee reduction can be found in the
355 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/intercountry-adoption-means-test-form"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
355 Intercountry Adoption: Means Test Form
355 </a>
355 .
355 </p>
356 <p>
356 At this point, the prospective adopters will be expected to have identified their country of
choice, researched the country's specific requirements and be in a position to confirm their
eligibility under that country's criteria. They should also be clear about the age range and
gender of the child or children they wish to adopt and whether they are prepared to consider
adopting a sibling group.
356 </p>
357 <p>
357 The appropriate level of fee is payable regardless of whether an application is successful.
Applicants who withdraw before a report is completed will receive a refund less an amount
commensurate with the amount of work already undertaken.
357 </p>
358 <p>
358 Where applicants have had a home study reported completed by or on behalf of a different adoption
agency within the last 2 years and that report is made available, the fee for a second report will
apply.
358 </p>
359 <p>
359 The applicants must also agree to undertake and pay for a medical examination (see paragraph 6
below), identify three personal referees (including one relative) and consent to the taking up of
references and other statutory checks (see
359 <a href="#checks_ref">
359 Section 7, Checks and References
359 </a>
359 ).
359 </p>
360 <p>
360 Once a completed Application Form has been received, a new Adoption Case Record should be opened
for the applicants.
360 </p>
361 <p>
361 An adoption social worker will be allocated. The allocated worker must fulfil the qualifications
and experience criteria set out in
361 <a href="p_adop_panel.html#reports_adop">
361 Adoption Panel Procedure, Reports to Adoption Panel
361 </a>
361 .
361 </p>
362 <p>
362 The allocated worker will make a referral for the prospective adopters to attend a course of
Preparation Groups.
362 </p>
363 <h3 id="prep_group">
363 5. Preparation Groups
363 </h3>
364 <p>
364 The prospective adopters will be expected to attend the full course of Preparation Groups and must
meet all the costs in relation to their attendance.
364 </p>
365 <p>
365 The Preparation Groups form part of the assessment process and the applicants will be advised that
their home study will not be undertaken until their full attendance at the course of Groups has
taken place.
365 </p>
366 <p>
366 A report by the facilitators of the Groups will be included when the Prospective Adopter's Report
is presented to the Adoption Panel.
366 </p>
367 <p>
367 In the event that the prospective adopters are unavoidably absent from one or more of the Groups,
the allocated adoption social worker will liaise with those running the Groups as to whether the
prospective adopters can fit into the missed Group(s) on a later course.
367 </p>
368 <p>
368 If prospective adopters decide to withdraw from the assessment process during the course of
Groups, they should be encouraged to discuss this with the Group facilitator and their adoption
social worker will be informed. No refund will be paid. Where applicants confirm their withdrawal
from the process, they will be informed in writing that the application process is terminated.
368 </p>
369 <h3 id="health">
369 6. Health
369 </h3>
370 <p>
370 Prospective adopters must have a full medical examination and agree to a written report being
obtained, at their own cost, from their GP. The social worker will provide the applicants with the
relevant CoramBAAF medical forms for completion by the GP.
370 </p>
371 <p>
371 The GP must be specifically requested to review the prospective adopter's full medical history and
address any matter relevant to the applicant's parenting or caring capacity.
371 </p>
372 <p>
372 The prospective adopters should have been seen in the three months prior to the medical report
having been completed, and the report must have been written within the 6 months prior to the
Adoption Panel meeting considering the application.
372 </p>
373 <p>
373 Where the prospective adopter's GP has expressed concerns or where clarification of the
implications of any health issues is required, detailed advice must be sought from the Medical
Adviser at an early stage and the implications fully discussed with the prospective adopter and in
the report. It may be necessary for reports from other health professionals also to be obtained
and presented to the Adoption Panel.
373 </p>
374 <h3 id="checks_ref">
374 7. Checks and References
374 </h3>
375 <p>
375 A Disclosure and Barring Service Form should be completed once a formal application has been made.
Applicants will be asked to confirm their identity in accordance with the requirements set out on
the Form.
375 </p>
376 <p>
376 As well as writing to the Disclosure and Barring Service (for enhanced checks), checks will be
made with the relevant Health Trust, Probation, Education and Children's Social Care Services
records.
376 </p>
377 <p>
377 (In some instances, the relevant overseas authority may consider that Disclosure and Barring
Service checks are only valid for 6 months, in which case the adoption social worker should
explain to the applicant that second Disclosure and Barring Service checks will need to be carried
out again later in the assessment process.)
377 </p>
378 <p>
378 Applicants will also be asked to provide the names of two personal referees and a third referee,
who is a relative. Applicants should be encouraged to choose people who know them well, have
children of their own and have knowledge of the applicants' contact with children.
378 </p>
379 <p>
379 At the same time as the statutory checks are sent out, the personal referees and the relative
referee will be sent a letter of introduction and form to complete. Referees will be informed that
their references are given in confidence and will not be disclosed to the applicants.
379 </p>
380 <p>
380 The referees should be asked to comment on:
380 </p>
381 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
382 <li>
382 The length of time the referee has known the applicant, in what circumstances, how they met and
how regularly they are in contact;
382 </li>
383 <li>
383 Where there is a joint application, the couple's relationship including its stability and
quality, the couple's strengths and ways of coping with stress and how mutually supportive the
couple is;
383 </li>
384 <li>
384 The applicants' general physical and emotional well being;
384 </li>
385 <li>
385 How the applicants relate to children, with examples, and what experience the applicants have of
caring for children;
385 </li>
386 <li>
386 How the applicants have adjusted to childlessness if this is the case, how they have prepared to
become adoptive parents, how much they have shared with the referees and how open they are in
talking about the issues surrounding adoption;
386 </li>
387 <li>
387 How ready the applicants are to adopt from overseas, with examples, how might they be able to
deal with racism and help their child to develop strategies to deal with this, and how their
network will react to a child from a different ethnic background;
387 </li>
388 <li>
388 If the applicants have children of their own, how the referee thinks a child from a different
ethnic background will impact on the other children in the family;
388 </li>
389 <li>
389 Any reservations the referee has and whether the referee wholeheartedly supports the
application.
389 </li>
390 </ol>
391 <p>
391 After the completed references have been received, the referee will be contacted and advised of
the contact date for a personal interview. (The relative referee is not always interviewed
although still regarded as a valuable resource to gain an insight on how the extended family
regards the applicants' plan to adopt a child from overseas.)
391 </p>
392 <p>
392 A written reference must also be obtained from the employer where an applicant is or has been
employed to work with children in any capacity or vulnerable adults.
392 </p>
393 <p>
393 Where a prospective adopter has made a previous application to foster or adopt, the relevant
agency must be asked to confirm in writing the outcome of the application and provide a written
reference.
393 </p>
394 <p>
394 The administrative staff of the Adoption Service will record the dates when replies to checks are
received. The replies to the checks should be placed in the confidential section of the
prospective adopter's Adoption Case Record.
394 </p>
395 <p>
395 Where the checks disclose information as a result of which a person is a Disqualified Person
(Adopter), the prospective adopter will be informed that the application cannot proceed. If the
information leading to this decision relates to a previous conviction of a member of the
applicant's household, the details of the offence can only be disclosed to the applicant with the
consent of the relevant person; without such consent, the applicant can only be informed that the
reason relates to information obtained from the checks but no details can be given.
395 </p>
396 <p>
396 Where there are concerns about an applicant's circumstances, for example where there are concerns
about their health, or about the information obtained from referees or about the applicants'
attempt to cover up information about offences, the applicant may be advised not to proceed with
the application.
396 </p>
397 <p>
397 Where the applicant disagrees with the advice and/or is not willing to withdraw, a brief
Prospective Adopter's Report on the application should be presented to the Adoption Panel and the
procedure to be followed should be the same as if the report was a full report on the Prospective
Adopter. See
397 <a href="#presentation">
397 Section 9, Presentation to the Adoption Panel
397 </a>
397 to
397 <a href="#represent">
397 Section 11, Representations/Review Procedure
397 </a>
397 </p>
398 <h3 id="home_study">
398 8. Home Study
398 </h3>
399 <p>
399 The allocated adoption social worker will carry out a home study of the applicants, which should
be completed within 8 months of the receipt of the application. (The allocated worker must fulfil
the qualifications and experience criteria set out in
399 <a href="p_adop_panel.html#reports_adop">
399 Adoption Panel Procedure, Reports to Adoption Panel
399 </a>
399 .)
399 </p>
400 <p>
400 The assessment is carried out in the same way as for domestic adopters and the same procedures
should be followed as set out in the relevant sections of
400 <a href="p_assess_approval.html">
400 Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters Procedure
400 </a>
400 .
400 </p>
401 <p>
401 This procedure only sets out the additional procedures in relation to inter country adopters.
401 </p>
402 <p>
402 In addition to obtaining detailed background information on the applicants, the process should
examine the applicants' understanding of the issues involved in adopting a child from overseas,
their ability to cope with the practical and emotional difficulties that may arise and their
understanding of trans-racial adoption.
402 </p>
403 <p>
403 During the home study, applicants should be asked to prepare pieces of work in order to
demonstrate their understanding of the issues involved and their ideas for managing these.
403 </p>
404 <p>
404 As part of the home study, the assessing social worker should consider:
404 </p>
405 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
406 <li>
406 The applicant's ability to meet the chosen country's eligibility criteria (for example some
countries impose age restrictions) and any outstanding immigration issues should be clarified;
406 </li>
407 <li>
407 The applicant's financial status and the likely effect on their financial circumstances if a
placement is made. (Some countries will require documentary evidence of income, savings and
property value and one of the immigration conditions to the UK is that the adopted child will be
maintained and accommodated adequately without recourse to public funds.) Applicants in receipt
of public funds can only therefore be considered if they will not have to rely on additional
public funds to support their child;
407 </li>
408 <li>
408 For this purpose, public funds include income support, housing benefit, child benefit, working
tax credit, council tax reduction, attendance allowance, jobseeker's allowance, employment and
support allowance (ESA); personal independence payments, and universal credit (in some areas) –
see
408 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
408 Benefits (GOV.UK)
408 </a>
408 ;
408 </li>
409 <li>
409 The implications of adopting a child who shares few, if any, of the racial, cultural and
linguistic inheritance of the adopters' family and who may have suffered considerable early
disadvantage must be explored in depth with applicants, in particular their understanding of
trans-cultural issues and the child's cultural heritage and their ability to help a child make
sense of their background and the child's search for identity;
409 </li>
410 <li>
410 The applicants' ability to accept uncertainty regarding a child's medical and social background,
and developmental prospects;
410 </li>
411 <li>
411 The suitability of the applicants to adopt more than one child, if this is what they have
applied for.
411 </li>
412 </ol>
413 <p>
413 The assessment should contain a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the applicants in
relation to the adoption of a child from overseas and any potential risk factors highlighted.
413 </p>
414 <p>
414 Where the prospective adopters are being assessed in relation to a particular child, the social
worker should obtain the maximum available information on the child and the assessment should
address the ability of the prospective adopters to meet the needs of the child concerned.
414 </p>
415 <p>
415 The assessment should also consider the likely need for adoption support services of the
applicants and any member of their family, including:
415 </p>
416 <ul>
417 <li>
417 Advice and counselling, for example with managing a child's behaviour and/or helping the child
to deal with racism or any other discrimination;
417 </li>
418 <li>
418 Health, education, leisure and cultural services;
418 </li>
419 <li>
419 Information about local and national support groups and services;
419 </li>
420 <li>
420 Helping the child to explore his or her birth heritage.
420 </li>
421 </ul>
422 <p>
422 See
422 <a href="p_adop_support.html">
422 Adoption Support Procedure
422 </a>
422 .
422 </p>
423 <p>
423 Once the assessing social worker has completed the report, it should be submitted to the manager
for approval. If there are any issues of concern raised in the assessment or there are issues
which require clarification, the manager should obtain a second opinion on those issues from
another experienced practitioner, before approving the report.
423 </p>
424 <p>
424 As with all assessments of prospective adopters, the completed Prospective Adopter's Report should
be shared with the applicants. The applicants should be given a copy of the Report and asked to
sign the report and/or submit any comments in writing, for example, by expressing disagreement or
support for the recommendations.
424 </p>
425 <p>
425 The applicant will be given 10 working days in which to provide any such comments or they can be
asked to sign a disclaimer stating they do not wish to take 10 days to comment.
425 </p>
426 <p>
426 The applicant should also be advised of their right to attend the meeting of the Adoption Panel,
which considers their case.
426 </p>
427 <p>
427 The social worker will then send copies of the Prospective Adopter's Report, the applicants'
written comments (if any), full health report, report on the interviews with the referees and the
Preparation Groups, and any other relevant documents, to the Panel Administrator at least 10
working days before the relevant Adoption Panel meeting.
427 </p>
428 <h3 id="presentation">
428 9. Presentation to the Adoption Panel
428 </h3>
429 <p>
429 The procedure is the same as for all prospective adoptive applicants and the applicants will be
invited and encouraged to attend the Panel when their application is considered. The decision to
attend rests with the applicants and a wish not to attend will not prejudice consideration of
their application.
429 </p>
430 <p>
430 Applicants who decide they wish to attend should be fully prepared and provided with written
information on the procedure prior to their attendance, including the membership of the Panel. If
the applicants know a particular Panel member, the applicant may request that the Panel member
stand down. (Panel members are in any event expected to declare an interest in these circumstances
- see
430 <a href="p_adop_panel.html">
430 Adoption Panel Procedure
430 </a>
430 .)
430 </p>
431 <p>
431 During the consideration of the application, the Adoption Panel should have advice from a Panel
Adviser with experience in the area of inter country adoption.
431 </p>
432 <p>
432 The Panel will consider the written report together with all the supporting documentation and any
additional information presented verbally, make a recommendation to the
432 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
432 Agency Decision Maker (Adoption)
432 </a>
432 regarding the suitability of the applicants to adopt a child, and give advice as to the named
country from which the prospective adopters should adopt. The Panel must also consider and may
give advice on related matters, including the number, age range, gender, likely needs and
background of the child or children for whom the applicant would be suitable. In relation to cases
where the assessment is in relation to a particular child, the advice should also specify the name
and date of birth of the child.
432 </p>
433 <p>
433 The recommendation and any advice given will be recorded in writing, with reasons, in the
Panel's minutes.
433 </p>
434 <p>
434 The applicants will be informed verbally of the Panel recommendation on the same day as the
meeting.
434 </p>
435 <h3 id="after_recomm">
435 10. After the Adoption Panel's Recommendation
435 </h3>
436 <p>
436 The Adoption Panel's written recommendation, advice and copies of all reports considered will be
sent to the Agency Decision Maker (Adoption), who will make a decision as to the suitability of
the applicant to adopt a child from a named country.
436 </p>
437 <p>
437 Where the Agency Decision Maker (Adoption) is minded to disagree with the Panel recommendation,
he/she must first discuss the case with another senior officer with the appropriate experience,
who must not be a Panel member. This discussion must be recorded and placed on the child's and the
prospective adopter's Adoption Case Record.
437 </p>
438 <p>
438 The decision must be made within 7 working days of the Panel meeting and must be recorded,
together with reasons.
438 </p>
439 <p>
439 The applicants will be advised orally of the decision within 2 working days.
439 </p>
440 <p>
440 Written notice of the decision, signed by the Agency Decision Maker (Adoption), will be sent to
the applicants within 5 working days of the decision.
440 </p>
441 <p>
441 Where the decision is that the applicants are suitable, the notice will include the agency's view
as to the number, age range, gender, likely needs and background of the child or children for whom
the applicant would be suitable, as well as the country from which they wish to adopt.
441 </p>
442 <p>
442 In cases where the assessment is in relation to a particular child, the decision and notice should
specify the name and date of birth of the child. The letter should also make clear that the
decision is subject to the endorsement of the Secretary of State for Education and that it does
not guarantee that a child will be considered suitable for them by the overseas authorities.
442 </p>
443 <p>
443 The notice should also advise the applicants of the next stages of the process, the length of time
for which the assessment report is valid, the need to report any change of circumstances and the
circumstances in which an update report may be required.
443 </p>
444 <p>
444 Where the decision differs from the recommendation of the Adoption Panel, a copy of the Panel
recommendation will also be sent with the notification.
444 </p>
445 <p>
445 Counselling, advice and support should be offered to the applicants as necessary.
445 </p>
446 <h3 id="represent">
446 11. Representations / Review Procedure
446 </h3>
447 <p>
447 If the Agency Decision Maker (Adoption) decides not to approve the application, the applicant will
be advised that if he or she wishes to challenge the decision, representations should be submitted
either in person or in writing to the next available Adoption Panel, or a referral can be made to
the Independent Review Mechanism.
447 </p>
448 <p>
448 The Representations/Review Procedure is set out in
448 <a href="p_assess_approval.html#represent_inde">
448 Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters Procedure, Representations / Independent Review
Procedure
448 </a>
448 .
448 </p>
449 <h3 id="after_approval">
449 12. After Approval
449 </h3>
450 <p>
450 Following approval, the Panel Administrator will forward to the Department for Education the
reports presented to the Adoption Panel, the Adoption Panel minute and the written notice of the
Agency Decision Maker (Adoption) decision. The documents must be sent by recorded delivery.
450 </p>
451 <p>
451 The
451 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/intercountry-adoption-checklist-for-adoption-agen
cies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
451 Intercountry Adoption: Checklist for Adoption
451 </a>
451 details the paperwork adoption agencies must include in intercountry adoption applications they
submit to DfE.
451 </p>
452 <p>
452 The process is as follows:
452 </p>
453 <ul>
454 <li>
454 After approving intercountry adoption applicants as suitable to adopt, adoption agencies must
send a completed application to the Department for Education (DfE) intercountry adoption
casework team;
454 </li>
455 <li>
455 It is recommended that agencies attach the checklist to the front of the application to make
sure they send all the necessary documents;
455 </li>
456 <li>
456 The adoption applicant must complete the contact sheet as part of the application;
456 </li>
457 <li>
457 The checklist includes instructions on when to use the disclaimer;
457 </li>
458 <li>
458 The 'Intercountry adoption and resident status requirements' guidance is for prospective
adopters;
458 </li>
459 <li>
459 Agencies must make sure that the application is complete before sending it to the casework team
as the submission of incomplete files will result in delays.
459 </li>
460 </ul>
461 <p>
461 Once the documents are sent, the Adoption Service will usually not be involved further with the
application, until the chosen country identifies a child for whom an adoptive family is sought.
461 </p>
462 <p>
462 Some countries, notably India and Thailand, require undertakings from the applicants' local
authority to be included in the support documents. Where applicable, a letter confirming this
undertaking needs to be given to the applicants for the applicants to include with the documents
they have to send to the Department for Education.
462 </p>
463 <p>
463 The Secretary of State will check whether the statutory requirements have been met and will then
decide whether to issue a Certificate of Eligibility and Suitability and inform the Adoption
Service and the prospective adopters of the decision.
463 </p>
464 <p>
464 The Certificate, if granted, will state that the prospective adopters have been assessed as
suitable to adopt and a child adopted by them will be granted leave to enter the United Kingdom
subject to Entry Clearance and the making of an Adoption Order.
464 </p>
465 <p>
465 The Department for Education will then arrange for the necessary papers to be passed to the
relevant overseas authority, which decides whether to accept the application and identifies a
child to be matched with the adopters.
465 </p>
466 <p>
466 The Department of Education will confirm in writing to the adoption service and the prospective
adopters that the papers have been sent.
466 </p>
467 <h3 id="matching">
467 13. Matching
467 </h3>
468 <p>
468 The matching part of the process may be the subject of considerable delay depending on the waiting
list of the chosen country.
468 </p>
469 <p>
469 If the authorities in the relevant country approve the application, when a suitable child is
available for placement, they should send the papers to the Department for Education, who will in
turn send them to the Adoption Service and the prospective adopters.
469 </p>
470 <p>
470 Occasionally, the country will inform the prospective adopters directly; they should be advised
during the home study to inform the adoption social worker immediately if this happens.
470 </p>
471 <p>
471 The adoption social worker should then arrange to discuss the child with the prospective adopters
at a face-to-face meeting to be held within 10 working days of receipt of the information, before
the prospective adopters make a decision or make any plans to travel to meet the child.
471 </p>
472 <p>
472 The preparation of the prospective adopters for the adoptive placement should include the adoption
social worker assisting the prospective adopters to gain full information about the child,
arranging access to a specialist advice as appropriate and stressing the importance of
post-adoption reports consistent with any undertakings given to the child's state of origin.
472 </p>
473 <p>
473 Before accepting a child, the prospective adopters must travel to meet the child. Where a couple
are applying to adopt, both applicants must travel.
473 </p>
474 <p>
474 As soon as the prospective adopters have accepted the match, the adoption social worker should
advise them to apply for entry clearance for the child, by sending the child's details to the
Entry Clearance Officer at the UK Embassy or High Commission closest to the country where the
child is living.
474 </p>
475 <p>
475 Where there are no suitable children to match with the prospective adopters, the overseas
authority will notify the Department for Education, and they will notify the adoption service. An
adoption worker will be allocated to inform the prospective adopters and assist them to decide
what further action to take, including a further report to the Adoption Panel seeking approval for
a different country.
475 </p>
476 <h3 id="post_place">
476 14. Post Placement Duties
476 </h3>
477 <p>
477 The Adoption (Designation of Overseas Adoptions) Order 1973 as amended in 1993 enables adoption
orders in countries listed in the Order to be recognised in the UK.
477 </p>
478 <h4>
478 Children from Designated Countries
478 </h4>
479 <p>
479 If an adoption order has been made in a Designated Country, it is recognised under UK law and the
child's visa usually states 'for settlement'. The adoption service then has no further involvement
other than providing or making arrangements for post-adoption services, if appropriate (see
479 <a href="p_adop_support.html">
479 Adoption Support Procedure
479 </a>
479 ).
479 </p>
480 <p>
480 Adoption Orders made in Designated Countries do not automatically result in the child acquiring
British citizenship. An application for registration will usually need to be made; application
forms can be obtained from the Nationality Directorate of the Home Office or from any British
Diplomatic Post.
480 </p>
481 <h4>
481 Children from Non-Designated Countries
481 </h4>
482 <p>
482 The arrangements for the placement will vary from country to country; the prospective adopters
will either adopt child in the child's country or bring the child to the UK for the purposes of
adoption in a UK Court.
482 </p>
483 <p>
483 If an Adoption Order has been made in a Non-Designated Country, the Order is not recognised in the
UK.
483 </p>
484 <p>
484 The prospective adopters must seek clearance for the child to enter the UK from the nearest
British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. If the Entry Clearance Officer is satisfied that
the entry requirements have been met, a visa for a limited period, usually one year, will be
issued.
484 </p>
485 <p>
485 The prospective adopters must notify the adoption service within 14 days of arriving in the UK
with the child of their intention to apply for an Adoption Order (or their intention not to
provide a home to the child). This notice should be acknowledged by the Adoption Service.
485 </p>
486 <p>
486 An adoption application cannot be made until the child has lived with the prospective adopters for
6 months or more. Where the prospective adopters have not complied with all the necessary
regulations, the child must have lived with them for at least 12 months.
486 </p>
487 <p>
487 On receipt of the notification, the adoption service will arrange for a social worker to monitor
the child's welfare by regular visits to the family home. The allocated worker must fulfil the
qualifications and experience criteria set out in
487 <a href="p_adop_panel.html#reports_adop">
487 Adoption Panel Procedure, Reports to Adoption Panel
487 </a>
487 .
487 </p>
488 <p>
488 An Adoption Case Record must also be set up for the child. Any information received from the
relevant authority in the child's state of origin, the agency that approved the prospective
adopters (if not the local authority), the prospective adopters, the Entry Clearance Officer and
the
488 <a
href="http://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/keywords_online/nat_cont/contacts/dep_edu.html
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
488 Department for Education
488 </a>
488 should be placed on the case record.
488 </p>
489 <p>
489 The allocated worker must send notification of the child's arrival in the UK to the prospective
adopter's GP (including a written and up to date health report on the child), the Primary Care
Trust and (where the child is of school age) the education service for the area where the
prospective adopter lives.
489 </p>
490 <p>
490 Visits to the child should be weekly until the first review.
490 </p>
491 <p>
491 The allocated worker should also arrange for the placement to be reviewed within 4 weeks of the
receipt of notice of intention to adopt. Thereafter the requirement is for the local authority to
visit and review not more than 3 months after the first review and thereafter every 6 months.
491 </p>
492 <p>
492 The purpose of the review is to enable the local authority to consider whether the child's needs
are being met and if not, what advice and assistance may be provided. To do this, the review must
consider the child's needs, welfare and development, and if any changes are required to meet the
child's needs or assist his/her development; the arrangements for the provision of adoption
support and whether there should be a re-assessment of the need for those services; and the need
for further visits and reviews.
492 </p>
493 <p>
493 If the prospective adopters notify the local authority of their intention to move to the area of
another local authority, the original local authority must notify the new authority of the
child's name, sex, date and place of birth; each prospective adopter's name, sex, date and place
of birth; the date the child entered the UK; the date of the notification to adopt; whether an
adoption application has been made and if so, the stage of the proceedings; and any other relevant
information.
493 </p>
494 <p>
494 The allocated social worker should advise prospective adopters of the most appropriate timing of
their adoption application. It is likely that the prospective adopters will need to apply for an
extension of the child's visa, which is usually straightforward if an adoption application has
been made.
494 </p>
495 <p>
495 When the prospective adopters make their adoption application, the Court will notify the Adoption
Service and request that a Court Report is produced supplied directly to the court.
495 </p>
496 <p>
496 If no adoption application has been filed within 2 years, a special review must be held. This
review must consider the child's needs, welfare and development, and if any changes are required
to meet the child's needs or assist his/her development; the arrangements for the exercise of
Parental Responsibility in relation to the child; the terms of the child's entry clearance and the
child's immigration status; the arrangements for the provision of adoption support and whether
there should be a re-assessment of the need for those services; the arrangements for meeting the
child's health care and educational needs; the reason why no adoption application has been made;
and the options for the child's future permanence.
496 </p>
497 <p>
497 When an Adoption Order is made in the UK, it automatically confers British Citizenship on the
child provided one of the adoptive applicants is a British citizen at the time the Adoption Order
is made.
497 </p>
498 <p>
498 Where the adopters are not British citizens, they will need to seek clearance to allow the child
to remain in the UK, on the same basis as them.
498 </p>
499 <h3 id="post_adop_supp">
499 15. Post Adoption Support
499 </h3>
500 <p>
500 Families who have adopted from abroad are eligible for assessment for adoption support as set out
in
500 <a href="p_adop_support.html">
500 Adoption Support Procedure
500 </a>
500 .
500 </p>
501 <h3 id="placement_breakdown">
501 16. Placement Breakdowns
501 </h3>
502 <p>
502 If, after the child is placed, the prospective adopters decide not to proceed with the adoption or
an Adoption Order is refused or a Convention Adoption Order is annulled, the child's social worker
must regard the child as a Child in Need and assess the child within 7 days in accordance with the
Assessment Framework, including whether it remains in the child's interests to be placed in the UK
and/or to be placed with an alternative adoptive family.
502 </p>
503 <p>
503 The child's social worker must notify the Department for Education of the outcome.
503 </p>
504 <p>
504 Where it is decided that it would not be in the child's best interests to remain in the UK, the
child's social worker must notify the Department of Education. The Department of Education will
notify the relevant overseas authority, which will make arrangements for the return of the child.
504 </p>
505 <p>
505 Where it is determined that it would be in the child's best interests to remain in the UK, the
child's social worker must take the necessary steps to identify a suitable alternative placement
in accordance with the
505 <a href="p_place_adop.html">
505 Placement for Adoption Procedure
505 </a>
505 and amend the child's immigration status.
505 </p>
506 <p>
506 Once an adoptive family has been identified, the child's social worker will notify the Department
of Education. The Department of Education will advise the child's country of origin of the change.
506 </p>
507 <h3 id="rev_prosp">
507 17. Review of Prospective Adopter's Approval
507 </h3>
508 <p>
508 The requirements for reviewing the approval of approved inter country adopters with no placement
is the same as for agency adopters, i.e. every 12 months - see
508 <a href="p_assess_approval.html#review_prosp">
508 Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters Procedure, Review of Prospective Adopters'
Approval
508 </a>
508 .
508 </p>
509 <p>
509 This requirement to review continues until (in relation to a Convention country) the prospective
adopters have received notification in writing from the central authority that an agreement under
Article 17 has been made so the adoption may proceed or (in relation to a non-Convention country)
the prospective adopters have visited the child in their country and confirmed in writing that
they wish to proceed with the adoption.
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