4.10.15 Independent Service for Birth Relatives |
SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
As part of the Black Country Consortium Dudley have commissioned a service from ‘Adoption Support’ (based in Birmingham- previously known as WMPAS) to ensure Dudley meet , the Adoption Agencies Regulations 2005 (Regulation 14) and Standard 12 of the National Minimum Standards for Adoption 2011.
Contents
1. Flow Chart – Procedure to be Applied to all Birth Parents at which Adoption is the Permanency Plan for the Child
The following procedure needs to be applied to all birth parents at the point at which adoption is the Permanency Plan for the child.
2. Independent Counselling, Support and Advice Service for Birth Parents and Relatives
2.1 Who are we?
Adoption Support is an independent charity that exists to support all those whose life has been touched by adoption. We have many years of experience of working with birth parents and relatives of children for whom the plan is adoption.
We aim to provide an inclusive service respecting individual needs regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or sexuality.
2.2 What Service do we Offer?
We provide an independent support service for birth parents and relatives whose children are in the process of or for whom the plan is adoption. This is a requirement of the National Adoption Standards.
- We help birth relatives understand the adoption process
- We will offer the opportunity for them to see what is written about them and to give their version of events
- We will work with them to gather information for life story books
- We will provide counselling to help them cope with the difficult feelings around losing their children to adoption
- We will provide on going support throughout the process this could include support when meeting adoptive parents, final contact visit etc.
- We will work with relatives to help them make contact arrangements work
- We offer appointments at a convenient location close to the service users home (not SSD offices)
2.3 What do we Not Provide?
- We do not provide the initial counselling and information about what adoption means
- We do not provide legal advice
- We are not part of the court process and do not provide reports either for or against the parents/relatives
- We are not an advocacy service
2.4 Contact Details
Adoption Support, Suite A, 6th Floor, Albany House, Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4BD
10am to 7pm on Mondays , 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Thursdays
Tel – 0121 666 6014 Fax – 0121 666 6334
Email – adoptionsupport@tiscali.co.uk
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