Adopting in County Durham is set to become simpler as a new two part process has been launched by the Department for Education, so that prospective adopters can be approved more quickly.Durham County Council, will now assess and prepare prospective adopters within six months.
During the first stage, expected to take two months, prospective adopters will learn about what is involved in adopting a child and references will be obtained.
The second stage, which is expected to take four months, involves more intensive assessment and preparation of possible adopters to ensure they are ready to adopt a child. At the end of this stage and following approval adoptive parents will then begin the process of being matched with children who are waiting to find an adoptive family.
Jessica Cowan, adoption team manager, said: “Durham County Council Adoption Service is well prepared for the new process. We hope that it will help us find families for children who are waiting for adoption more speedily – great news for these children and their prospective families.”
