Adoption Panel is an essential part of the adoption process. It brings together people with different professional knowledge, personal experience and perspectives to carefully consider information about children and prospective adopters, to ensure every recommendation is fair, and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for children.
At Adoption West, panel considers reports about prospective adopters who are being assessed for approval, as well as information relating to children who need an adoptive family. Panel members review the information in advance and then come together to discuss the circumstances, ask questions and consider the recommendations being presented.
The panel’s role is to make recommendations based on the information available, with the needs, safety and lifelong wellbeing of children at the heart of every discussion.
Who sits on an Adoption Panel?
Panel members come from a range of professional and personal backgrounds. This might include people with experience of social care, education, health or other relevant areas, alongside people who bring personal or lived experience of adoption and family life.
Having a range of perspectives is important. It allows panel members to consider the information presented from different viewpoints and to ask questions that help ensure recommendations are carefully considered.
What happens at Panel?
Before a panel meeting, members receive detailed reports to read and consider. During the meeting, the social worker or other professionals involved will present the relevant information.
Panel members have the opportunity to:
- Ask questions and seek clarification
- Explore the information and evidence presented
- Consider different perspectives
- Discuss the needs and circumstances of the child or prospective adopter
- Contribute to the panel’s collective recommendation
Panel discussions are respectful, thoughtful and focused on reaching a recommendation that is in the best interests of the child.
What could you expect if a Panel vacancy arises?
Adoption West maintains a Central List of approved panel members. We carefully manage the size and make-up of this list so that panel members have regular opportunities to attend meetings and maintain their knowledge and skills.
When vacancies arise, we look for people who can bring a range of experience and perspectives to our panels. We are particularly interested in maintaining a panel that reflects the diversity of the children, families and communities we work with.
If a suitable vacancy becomes available, the process would include an application and selection process, followed by a comprehensive induction and training programme. New panel members would receive ongoing support and learning opportunities throughout their time on the panel.
Panel members are not expected to know everything about adoption. What is important is the ability to listen carefully, consider detailed information, ask thoughtful questions and contribute constructively to a group discussion and decision-making process.
Current vacancies
Our Central List is currently full.
However, we recognise the importance of maintaining a diverse, inclusive panel and are keen to hear from people who are Black and dual or mixed heritage backgrounds, or from other Global Majority backgrounds, as we would like to strengthen representation within our panel.
Although there are no current vacancies, we will update this page when opportunities arise and when we identify particular gaps in the experience, knowledge or diversity we are looking for.
If you are interested in finding out more about Adoption Panel, please check back here for future opportunities.
