FIRST STEPS COURSE PREVIEW
You’re viewing the first module in this course section. This course section has 11 parts. Register for free to read it within the full First Steps course, save your progress, use quizzes and continue through the remaining modules.
CHALLENGES AND TRANSITIONS TO NEW SITUATIONS
For a child who has already experienced disruption, change and uncertainty throughout their young lives, even the positive outcomes brought about by adoption, can prove challenging. This module looks at some of the more common events where everyone can work together to make these transitions easier, most especially for the child, but also for the wider family and supporting network. Each child, each family and each situation will be different but there is always support from professionals, family and other adopters.
Modules in this course section
- Placement — 10 mins
- How the Child May Be Feeling — 5 mins
- Helping to Overcome Worries — 8 mins
- Case Study: Rihanna aged 4 — 10 mins
- Moving House — 7 mins
- Moving School & Education — 10 mins
- How Early Trauma Affects Brain Development — 4 mins
- Behaviour Triggers - Difficult Days — 8 mins
- Case study Gerard, now aged 7 — 15 mins
- Challenges of Special Family Celebrations — 10 mins
- Next Steps... — 3 mins
Preview this first module, then register free to continue through the full section.
1.1 Placement
Key Transitions
Listen to an adoption specialist, Beth Neil and adoptive parent, Deb talk about dealing with key transitions including placement and moving to secondary school with an adopted child.
What is placement?
Placement is the term used for the stage at which a child in care is placed with their prospective adopter(s). Introduction plans for how the child or children will get to know their new parents will vary in length and detail. This will depend on factors such as the ages of the children, and much time they need to begin to feel familiar with their adopters. There may also be a need for adaptation to the family home if, for example, a child is disabled or there is a sibling group being placed together.
But, whatever the individual circumstances, the day of placement is a hugely significant transition for everyone, but particularly the child.
When a child joins their new family parental responsibility for the child is shared between the local council, the adoptive parents and the birth parents, although the details of the adoptive family remain confidential. If this settling in period goes well (and it is rare that it does not) then,after a minimum period of 10 weeks, the prospective adopters can apply to the court for an adoption order. When an adoption order is granted by the court, full parental responsibility for the child will pass to the adoptive parents. Many families may need more than 10 weeks before applying for an adoption order and this is fine. It is a time for everyone to adjust to living together, but once the adoption order is granted, it's a good time to celebrate with an adoption party or a naming ceremony!