training
& support

Adults sitting round a table with note pads and pens, one person taking notes

preparation groups

As part of your journey to adoption, you will be invited to attend preparation groups. These groups will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about adoption. You will also have the opportunity as part of the group to meet people who have been adopted as well as experienced adoptive parents and foster carers.

The content of the course will provide you with further information about the challenges you may face throughout a child’s life. Preparation groups are held over a number of sessions and cover a wide range of topics including:

  • Why children come into care;
  • Who are the children requiring adoption;
  • Child development;
  • Attachment, separation and loss;
  • Health issues;
  • Contact with birth families; Legal process;
  • Identity;
  • Future supports.
A notepad and pen sat next to a phone, a mug and a laptop

home study

The home study is a detailed report which is compiled by your assessing Social Worker on your suitability to become adoptive parents.

Your assessment may take around 6 months to complete.. Your allocated Social Worker will visit your home and family throughout this period gathering information on a wide range of issues including:

  • Family background;
  • Education;
  • Employment;
  • Leisure activities;
  • Parenting experience;
  • Relationships;
  • Accommodation;
  • Finances;
  • Health;
  • Matching considerations;
  • Supports;
  • Motivation.
Father and son sitting in sand dunes at the beach, dad is tickling the son who is laughing

we offer support pre & post adoption

Falkirk Council is committed to offering a post adoption support service to anyone affected by adoption through providing adoption support plans. These will highlight the support required through all stages of the adoption process and throughout a child’s life. Currently Falkirk Council offers a wide range of support services through:

  • Providing direct support;
  • Offering post adoption training;
  • Membership of PACS (Post Adoption Central Support);
  • Paying adoption allowances (if applicable);
  • Offering counselling services;
  • Birth records tracing;
  • Facilitating Information exchange
  • Providing setting up costs;
  • Assisting with legal expenses

Support can also be provided through referrals to outside agencies including:

  • AFA( Adoption and Fostering Alliance) Scotland;
  • Barnardo’s;
  • Adoption UK;
  • Birthlink;
  • SAAS (Scottish Adoption Advice Service).

adoption
allowances

Adoption allowances can be paid in certain situations as outlined in the Adoption Support Services and Allowances (Scotland) Regulations 2009. The council may pay an allowance subject to specific criteria and a means test. Your assessing social worker will be able to advise you on the criteria where adoption allowances can be paid.

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