Our adoption service is part of a range of Local Authority services which seek to promote the upbringing of children by their families in accordance with the spirit and provision of the Children Act 1989.Where this is not possible, the local authority undertakes to find a permanent alternative family in which the child is given the opportunity of a secure and stable environment, taking into account the child's specific needs and circumstances.
Darlington’s Adoption Service
Darlington’s adoption service is provided by a voluntary adoption agency called DFW Adoption who are based in Durham.
Why do children need to be adopted?
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Because of significant problems in their birth family.
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Parents may be unable to cope and there may be no one else in the family to take over their children’s care.
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Most children are placed for adoption today because a court has decided it is in their best interests to be adopted although occasionally a birth family will request for their child to be adopted. However, it is rare that a young baby is available to be adopted.
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There are all sorts of children who need adoptive parents, from toddlers to teenagers. Sometimes there are two, three or more brothers and sisters who need to live and grow up together as they would ordinarily do within their birth family.
Children needing adoption come from all family backgrounds. Some may have been abused or neglected in their past. Others may have physical or learning difficulties. Their parents may also have their own difficulties such as: mental illness, learning difficulties, drug/alcohol abuse or lack of family support. Often it is a combination of factors and overlapping problems.
What is adoption?
Adoption is a lifelong commitment. It is about providing a permanent family for a child or children in care, who cannot, for whatever reason, return home. When you adopt a child you take on all the responsibilities and rights for the child that the birth parent had. It is the stability and security of family life that makes it such a positive option for children.
Where it is not possible for children of the same family to live together in an adoptive family they often need to keep in touch with brothers and sisters and other birth family members. This may be by letter or face-to-face contact. It is important that adoptive parents understand that children need to be connected to their biological and historical past if they are to be able to grow up with a positive self image and identity.
Adoption - Is it for you?
Adoption is about making a real difference to a child’s life. When you adopt, you provide a secure, loving home to a child for life! Like all parenting it means sticking together through good times and bad. It is one of the most challenging but also one of the most rewarding things you can do.
What sort of person do you have to be?
All sorts of people can make a success of adoption. You can be single or married, in or out of work, any race, religion or sexuality. BUT you do need plenty of patience, humour and energy … children are demanding! Above all you need to be determined to give a young person the sort of support that will really make a difference to their lives. If you can provide a permanent, stable or caring home your application will be welcomed.
Who do I talk to if I want to adopt?
Contact Children’s Services, Central House, Gladstone Street, Darlington DL3 6JX. Telephone 01325 346200.
Senior Practitioner Adoption, Pam Norgrove. Telephone 01325 346452
DFW Adoption, Agriculture House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY. Telephone 0191 386 3719
For further information please visit the dfw website [external link]