Fostering for Adoption

For anyone considering or going through Fostering for Adoption, this book gives you a detailed, personal account of the process which takes you through all the stages and prepares you to cope with the highs and lows. 

Fostering for Adoption is a relatively recent initiative (Children and Families Act, 2014) in the adoption legal landscape, seeking early permanence for babies and young children where adoption is most likely to be the plan for the child.  This is often cited as a route to be in the best interests of the child, enabling secure attachments and stability.  However, for adopters it is inherently risky, it is the adopters who take on the risk in this situation, accept the placement on a fostering basis and hope that the final outcome will be adoption. 

There is currently a knowledge gap on experiences of Fostering for Adoption which this book tackles. Written from an adopters’ perspective of the risks and challenges, as well as the benefits that it brings, it is perfect for those who are considering the process as well as their friends and family.  A book on Fostering for Adoption can’t just focus on one story and one outcome so we’ve included case studies which cover the key experiences adopters may face when agreeing to accept a baby on a Foster to Adopt placement such as: 

• Caring for a baby a few days after birth
• The paperwork, rules and fostering process
• The uncertainty and risk
• Meeting with birth parents
• Contact
• Looking after a withdrawing baby
• A termination of placement

Written in an engaging and friendly style, this book is perfect reading for anyone looking to adopt a child and for adoption professionals seeking to understand the experience of the adopter more profoundly.

Praise for Fostering for Adoption

"As someone who has been through a similar journey this book resonated with me.  It is honest about the ups and downs and is a great, informative book for anybody thinking of taking this route or who have family or friends that are.  I can say that this book will help anyone at the beginning of their journey, to help them through the process and – start the lifetime of learning about how we can support our children."
Lisa Faulkner, Author, Meant to be

"Alice’s book will be a great companion to anyone considering or starting on the foster to adopt process. It is well-researched and written and doesn’t shy away from the many complexities and the considerations that adults must make in the best interests of children."
Sally Donovan, Author of No Matter What, and Editor of Adoption Today

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I found myself laughing and getting emotional throughout. As someone who has themselves been adopted, but who is also a social worker who has now adopted a child, this book is brilliant from every angle. A must read for anyone considering Fostering for Adoption."
Jo, Social Worker, Midlands 

“This book gives a balanced and honest view of the whole Fostering for Adoption journey.  It gets to the emotions and seriousness of decisions being made about children's lives.  This is an important read for any potential adopter and will be on our book lists for sure”
Angi, Social Worker, Adoption Tees Valley 

Ch 1: Introduction and background to Foster to Adopt

Ch 2: Where our story begins: The first training session and Stage 1

Ch 3: Expressing our story: Stage 2, the home assessment and panel 

Ch 4: Who will join our story? Matching, tracking and the emotional rollercoaster

Ch 5: The story continues: Being matched and more waiting

Ch 6: Our story gets real: Transition and placement

Ch 7: Documenting the detail of our story: The early days of and everyday life of F2A

Ch 8: Retelling our story as a family of three: Preparing for panel

Ch 9: Formalising our story: Applying for the Adoption Order and everyday life-in-between

Ch 10: Our story can continue: Legally part of our family

Alice Hill and her husband offer this personal account of their Foster to Adopt experience.  This was their route to a baby joining their family.  Foster to Adopt is risky for adopters and this is their story through the journey - from the assessments, the waiting, the difficult decisions, the placement and the uncertainty.  To complement their story, other families have also shared their experiences, so you as a reader get a fuller account of all it entails – the ups, the downs and everything in-between.