Finance
In a limited set of circumstances it is possible for adoptive parents to receive continuing financial support to care for an adopted child. Essentially the criteria relate to anticipated costs associated with parenting children who have significant additional needs or who would be hard to place with an adoptive family if financial support was not available.
In most cases the financial support is limited to assistance in the early stages of placement, for example where adopters do not have the essential furniture and equipment that they need for the child. Expenses incurred in the introductory process will also be met.
In cases where a continuing adoption allowance will be payable, the carers will be eligible for fostering payments in the period before the adoption order is granted.
Applications for Adoption Allowances are considered by the Adoption and Permanence Panel and are subject to annual review.
In most cases, permanent carers will be approved under the fostering regulations and will be entitled to receive continuing fostering allowances.
How the decision is made as to whether to accept you as an adoptive parent is the subject of the next section: "The Adoption and Permanence Panel".