Adoption

[Lollyly]

Hi, I wonder if anyone could tell me the procedures of adoption. My cousin and his girlfriend had a baby just over a year ago and was immediately taken off them and put into foster care. We have not found out that the baby is being put up for adoption. My mum is quite upset about this as the baby is her deceased sister's grandchild. So my question is, would SS prefer to keep the baby within the family unit? I do not have children myself but would consider adopting this child. I am married and own my own home both have good jobs etc. Thanks in advance for any replies.

[puddicat]

Lolly i would check with social services to how you stand!!

[pinktwink]

agree write to social services requesting to be considered for adoption or contact a solicitor and apply for guardianship.
Before you go down that road talk to your husband and famiky adoption is a big step with life changing events. you need to think about what you will tell the child how you will deal with you cousin childcare etc

[Ice.Maiden]

It's a pity that someone in the family didn't apply for legal guardianship, or take the poor child into their care before he or she went into foster care, but if you've thought this through properly, and the child's parents have no objection to you applying, then you need to speak to someone at Social Services asap. It can be quite a long-winded process, as the SS have to make perfectly sure that you'd be suitable as parents. As pinktwink says, it'd be a life-changing decision for you, and could cause problems within the family later on, but good luck to you.