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If you search the forum, you will find lots of posts like this. This questions comes up regularly. I would recommend Preparing for Adoption (Julia Davis), Daniel Hughes (Building the Bonds of Attachment, ect), Kim Golding (Nurturing Attachments etc), Bruce Perry (The Boy who was raised as a dog), Sally Donavan (The Unofficial Guide to Adoptive Parenting), Karyn Purvis (The Connected Child), Sarah Naish (Therapeutic Parenting), Holly van Goulden (Real Parents, Real Children). Preparing for Adoption by J Davis is a good introduction and will give you an overview. I would read up on attachment, trauma, FAS/FASD, ASD, effects of in-utero exposure to drugs, "common" mental health problems, sensory processing problems, so that you can make informed choices when you read profiles and talk to your sw about possible matches. You will need to know about attachment and trauma for any child you will be matched with. I would also read a practical parenting guide for adopters. If you like podcasts, I would recommend creatingafamily.org's. They interview experts in the field and give a lot of practical advise. You can download the shows for free from iTunes.

There is a new one out by Helen Oakwater- I think its called "So you want to adopt?"

We're just coming to the end of stage two. I found 'want to adopt' by Helen oakwater helpful and we've also read the whole patenting matters series by Coram baaf. They were really good, there are ones on domestic violence, substance abuse, developmental delay etc. I've just started on parenting strategies so will be reading a theraplay one this week. Good luck!!

Hi sorry for the late reply its been hectic. I've been off work with Glandular fever and a chest infection. Thank you for your replies. After speaking to my social worker she advised we had already done so much research (reading forums, blogs etc) she didn't want us bogged under until we know the background of the potential children being placed with us. She did advise us to read a book called no matter what by Sally something and it was so insightful. Also theres a 17 part series podcast on adoption of siblings that's she recommended which was good. We have 3 appointments left before finding out if we will make it to panel. All checks, medicals etc have gone fine. One of the appointments is the mid way review with the agency manager. SW is fantastic and understanding but very hard to read. Does anyone know of anyone getting this far and not getting to panel? The next season is regarding finances which was covered massively in previous session. The time line for next few apps feel like just crossing the Ts and dotting the Is. We obviously don't want to build our hopes up but would like the pressure we are putting ourselves under to ease a little as we've given everything and not getting much feedback. Also, after a copy of the PAR is sent to review how long is panel usually after this. Sorry for rambling all. All very exciting but very anxious.

Sally Donovan wrote “No Matter What”.

I couldn't remember second name. My sister is has it at the moment so couldnr check

Agree with all the above. Holly van gulden also worth getting ‘real parents real children’ as she talks about how it is to be waiting as a prospective adopter as well as looking at matching and going forwards.