Service User Perspectives: The adoption process
Learning objectives
Having viewed these videos, you should have a better understanding of the adoption process and the potential difficulties and tensions that can be experienced.
In these two videos, Gareth discusses the adoption process with social worker Naomi. Even though this was the second child Gareth had adopted, and the process was fairly typical, it was still a difficult and sometimes frustrating time and they talk though some of the problems, including the matching process, the role of the social worker and the role of the adoptive parent.
Reflective Questions
1. Compare the relationship Gareth had with the two social workers; why did the relationship with Naomi would better for him?
2. What did Naomi do to help manage the tensions encountered during her relationship with Gareth as an adoptive parent?
3. What advice would you give to prospective adoptive parents?
4. How would you rate your own communication skills? What steps could you take to improve them?