Starting a conversation you know little about can be quite daunting if you don't know what you want to ask.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for our 'Book a Chat' session with no pressure until it feels right for you.
1. Bring your questions — big or small
From “What is involved in the application process?” to “Could adoption be right for me?”, ask anything. These chats are designed to give you clear, honest guidance at a pace that is right for you.
2. Think about your motivation
We’re always interested to understand what brings you to adoption and we will reflect on this with you. So, thinking about this and why you’re considering adoption helps to guide the conversation. You don’t need the “perfect” reason to adopt, just your personal one. Reflecting on why you’re considering adoption helps guide the conversation.
3. Jot down your childcare experience
You may have more experience than you realise for example caring for relatives, supporting friends’ children, or raising your own – it all counts. The team can help you understand how this fits into the assessment journey.
4. Be open about your lifestyle and support network
This helps the team understand your strengths and what support you might need as you move forward, especially as adoption support is ongoing and tailored to meet your needs.
5. Ask about training and reading recommendations
You’ll be offered guidance, resources, and training to help you prepare for adoption. You can also explore recommended reading and helpful videos on trauma, attachment and therapeutic parenting.
Why securing a 'Book a Chat' session helps
A 'Book a Chat' session can give you:
- Clarity on what adoption involves
- Reassurance from experienced professionals
- Personalised guidance on your situation
- Peace of mind without committing to anything
- Timing in terms of when the best time for you may be to start your journey to adoption.
We came away feeling reassured, informed and hopeful. It was the first time we thought, ‘Yes… we can really do this. Janyce was so helpful.
Person:Couple at the start of their journey
I expected a formal interview at first, but it was so friendly and open. It helped calm any initial fears that I had.
Person:Single adopter
Our chat with Janyce helped us to understand that our childcare experience did count. That gave us the confidence to move forward.
PersonProspective adopter
I was so nervous before the call, but Danielle immediately put me at ease. It felt like she genuinely cared about our family’s future.
Person:Adoptive parent, Leicestershire
Ready to take the next step?
Email our adoption team adoption@leics.gov.uk to book your informal chat or visit our Family Adoption Link website for more information.