Edited 17/02/2021
Agency policy changes
Bonesy5
March 21, 2015 20:50
Hi, not sure if this is relevant but we recently requested information from a VA and subsequently arranged an initial interview. Having read through all the details we were sent we felt fairly confident going into the meeting. However halfway through we were asked a question regarding smoking. In the agencies information booklet it states smoking would be an issue for children under 5. As we are looking to adopt an older child we didn't think too much to it. However at the meeting we were told the policy had changed and there was now a complete ban on smoking and e cigarettes for children of any age and we would have to wait until we had not smoked for 6 months before we could apply. Whilst I support the non smoking (i am not a smoker, my partner is/was!!)We did find it a crushing set back and were unprepared. It worries me how quickly policies change. Our SW even stated she would not give out expression of interest forms as these too were likely to have changed within the 6 months until we come back. She was very encouraging throughout the meeting but did appear at times unsure of the advice she was giving us, going out to check a couple of times. I understand this is a roller coaster process but wonder what other policies may change overnight and how you are supposed to prepare when you cannot trust the information sent to you.
bananarama
March 21, 2015 20:56
We had a similar issue whilst going through the approval process. Our LA changed their policy on maximum acceptable BMI. Our panel was already booked and then about 3 weeks before we were put on hold until I had lost enough weight to meet the new target. We ended up with a 5 month delay overall which was not too bad. I was so upset at the time though.
Edited 17/02/2021
Midge
March 21, 2015 21:06
I think at the moment with there tending to be more adopters than children agencies do tighten up what they will and won't accept. It's a way of filtering people out who may present more challenges to present to children's SW, afterall approval is only the half way point, the really tough bit is marketing you to SWs looking. My LA hasn't taken FC on who smoke at all for several years. For adopters the guidance was under 5, but I think in reality most agencies will discourage people who smoke from applying or ask them to give up and try again later. The VA can't afford to invest money in approving you if they know the placing agencies are getting picky about smoking or weight, cos until you're placed with a child they don't get paid.
Edited 17/02/2021
reallove2014
March 27, 2015 09:51
Had exactly the same issue with VA. We went last year to on a fact finding mission and registered out interest although we were postponing until Jan this year as were getting married and wanted to be married before we adopted - we wanted to be able to give 100% to the adoption process and felt we couldnt whilst we had the planning of the wedding going on. Was told i needed to be smoke free for a year despite wanting over 5's which frustrated me but listened to what they said! But made a consious decision that when the wedding was out the way i'd give up then of which i did on new years day this year! My wife contacted said agency and this was bought up again - told them i had given up at beginning of this year and she said well wouldnt be looking at placing children with you until 12 months are over i said fine but with the way things are going we are already 6 weeks in and havent even had initial interview!!! Felt like thats all they were interested in Needless to say im now 3 months (nearly 4) smoke free and have medical on Monday. Weve done 1 workshop on stage 1 and have another in April then onto stage 2 and then the fun can start!!!!!! I havent read anything on anything else . Good luck and keep up with it :-)
Edited 17/02/2021
Bonesy5
March 27, 2015 16:41
Seems people get different experiences from VA!! We are following the advice they gave us and keeping our fingers crossed nothing else will have changed when we get back in touch in 6 months. Reallove2014 glad they let you begin whilst giving up, our agency wouldn't even consider it. May be worth us going back to them in a month or so to talk to them again?
Edited 17/02/2021
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