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STANDARD 2 - Promoting a positive identity, potential and valuing diversity

(Adoption Agencies, Adoption Support Agencies)


Underpinning Legislation

Adoption and Children Act 2002:

Adoption Agencies Regulations 2005:

Further Guidance:


Outcome

  • Children have a positive self view, emotional resilience and knowledge and understanding of their background.

2.1

The adoption agency is active in its efforts to obtain for the child clear and appropriate information from the birth parents and birth families about:

  1. themselves and the child’s birth and early life;
  2. why the child could not remain with their birth parents;
  3. why the child was placed for adoption;
  4. health issues of the birth parents and their children;
  5. the view of the birth parents and birth family about the adoption and contact; and
  6. up-to-date information about themselves and their situation.

2.2

The adoption agency is active in its efforts, after the adoption order is made, to encourage and support the birth parents and birth families to give the child, via the adoption agency, updates on significant family information.

2.3

Prospective adopters are prepared and supported to promote the child’s social and emotional development, and to enable the child to develop emotional resilience and positive self-esteem.

2.4

Prospective adopters are helped and supported in understanding the importance of keeping safe any information provided by the birth family and in giving this information to their adopted child in an age appropriate format when they feel the time is right, or on request when the young person reaches adulthood,

2.5

The preparation of the life story book is coordinated by one person, preferably the child’s social worker.

2.6

The life story book represents a realistic and honest account of the circumstances surrounding the child’s adoption. Its format is appropriate to the child’s age and understanding and accessible for use by the child. Prospective adopters are encouraged to update it with the child as their understanding develops.

2.7

The life story book is given to the child and prospective adopters in stages: at the latest by the second statutory review of the child’s placement with the prospective adopters; and the completed life story book at the latest within ten working days of the adoption ceremony.

2.8

The social worker who knows the child writes the later life letter. The letter is realistic and sufficiently detailed so that the young adult fully understands their life before adoption, why they could not remain with their birth parents and why they were adopted. The prospective adopters receive the letter within ten working days of the adoption ceremony.