Assessment and Preparation
The Assessment is a two way process, in which we aim to give you information to prepare you for the task of adopting a child. Please note that Aberdeen Council Social Work Service will not proceed with your assessment if information or concerns that cannot be resolved arise. You will be given clear reasons if this happens and how to make your views known if you disagree with this decision.
All applications to adopt are logged and kept on record by the local authority.
The assessment involves both you and all members of your immediate family. You will be expected to demonstrate, or have the potential to develop, the following competencies and skills:
- Ability to communicate with children, their families and professionals.
- An awareness of child development, and the particular needs of looking after a child
- A willingness to work towards the social work plan for the child, including facilitation of contact and working with families if applicable
- Flexibility
- An understanding of anti-discriminatory practice
- You are expected to attend a series of Preparation Groups, to cover wider issues about adopting a child in more detail.
Following this assessment a report will be presented to the Adoption and Permanence Panel. You will have access to this assessment report before a decision on approval is made. You will also be expected to attend the Adoption Panel. A final decision about approval will be made by the 'Agency Decision Maker' who is the Chief Social Work Officer.
Back to the Adopting in Aberdeen home page.
