Preparing for panel

Preparing families for going to panel is part of the process from the very beginning. It is mentioned briefly at information evenings, and then in more detail in the preparation groups that prospective adopters attend. When working with families, we do make them aware that working towards their Prospective Adopters Report (which used to be Form F) is about preparing them for going to panel. It is essentially the whole outcome of their assessment.

In Lewisham, the main tool we use with families is a leaflet produced by our Panel Adviser. It gives as much information about the panel as possible, such as what will happen there, what its function is, who is on it, and how they make recommendations. It also covers what happens when you are approved, and what you can do in the (unlikely) event that you are not. Because it is produced by our local authority, we have detailed information about where and when the adoption panels meet in our authority.

We encourage families to go along to panel, and most people do take up the opportunity and attend, even if they are nervous. However, we also reassure them that it is fine if they don’t feel comfortable about being there, and that it won’t influence the panel when they make their recommendation.

On the day, our independent panel Chair spends some time with families to put them at ease and prepare them for what is to come. The panel adviser will also have discussed with families which areas they may be asked questions on. At the beginning, families sit in a separate room, while their social worker spends ten minutes or so talking to the panel about any specific issues. The family then joins the panel and may be asked questions. At the end, the Chair will ask families if they have any questions of their own. We do encourage them to do this, either from what they have prepared in advance, or what comes up on the day.

Some families get worried about going to panel, and I remind them that they have been through a lot already, and that there shouldn’t be any great surprises on the day (provided that all the preparation has been done properly during the assessment process). Adopters will have done a lot of work during the assessment process, which they should be really proud of.

As told to Isabelle Rameau.

Have you read our answers to common questions such as 'Do I need special skills or qualities to adopt or foster'? and 'What happens if I am not approved at panel?'

Originally published in the Be My Parent newspaper in July 2007.

This article is published with the kind permission of the people involved. You may download it for your own reference but if you wish to use it for any other purpose, please contact Be My Parent for authorisation: Be My Parent, BAAF, Saffron House, 6-10 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS. Telephone: 020 7421 2666/5/4.

Last updated: 03 January 08

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