As an adoption worker and manager I have been really keen to bring about changes to the way in which transitions are conducted. I recently completed a smll scale study as part of an MA and here are my recommendations, some of which have already been implemented in the local authority I work in;
• Dedicate time to building the relationship between adopters and foster carers including ensuring they have time to meet prior to the life appreciation day.
• Hold at least one informal pre-planning meeting which enables foster carers and adopters to contribute to the planning process prior to the formal planning meeting.
• Set out the roles of each social worker clearly and ensure that regular contact is made with adopters and foster carers during the transition.
• Consider the impact of social worker presence during the first contact between the adopters and the child.
• Provide explicit permission for practical amendments to be made to the plan to fit around the child’s needs.
• Consider longer plans of introductions which allow for more fluid reflection time.
• Incorporate transitional contact with foster carers in the introduction plan to prevent breaks in contact and reduce inconsistency and confusion.
• Encourage adults involved in the child’s transition to reflect on the loss they are experiencing and avoid using unhelpful positive language such as ‘smooth’ when describing the transition as this does not reflect the child’s experience.
• Avoid providing rigid advice regarding staying at home in the initial period of placement.
• Workers should name feelings regarding post adoption depression when working with adopters and ensure education around this is incorporated into the assessment period.