The Adoption Process

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming an adoptive parent, please contact:

Social Work Services Family Placement Team
Children's Services, 11 Market Street, Galashiels TD1 3BR
Tel: 01896 757230

The adoption process

A meeting will be arranged where we can talk with you about your interest in adoption and give you information about the children we have who may need adoptive families. The adoption process will involve the following:

there will be an assessment and some training
confidential enquiries will be made by the Social Work Department and the Police
applicants will be examined by their GP
applicants will be asked to provide personal references from at least two friends
Scottish Borders Council's Adoption Panel will consider a report on the application and make a recommendation about whether an application should be approved as adopters or not. You will be given the opportunity to meet the Panel.

How long does it take?

This depends on what you are offering and the children we have waiting. We can give you more information about this when we have an individual meeting with you.

How is adoption made legal?

An adoption order is made via the court. Most children are subject to a Freeing for Adoption application first and the adoption application is made when the child is settled with adopters. Because of the length of time the legal process can take, we are increasingly placing children on a fostering basis with a view to adoption when the legal process is complete. More information about the legal process will be shared in an initial meeting you have with our social worker.

Will I get financial help?

Like any parent, you will be expected to meet the general costs of caring for a child. Sometimes, means-tested financial assistance is given to families caring for a child with particular needs or to help make it possible for siblings to stay together.

What happens when the child moves in?

The child will move to live with their new parent/s after a planned period of introductions. This can last for a few weeks or a month or two depending on the child’s needs. Social workers will remain involved to support the new family and the child at least until an adoption order is made and longer if that is requested.