Early Permanence carers needed across London
We need adoptive parents who can take on the responsibility of becoming foster carers to a child, with the chance of going on to adopt them later, if the court decides that child should be adopted.
Early Permanence (EP) is an umbrella term for a type of care planning which helps a child who needs be removed from their family to find a safe, stable, and home as quickly as possible. EP can be used for children of all ages who are in the care of the local authority, where there is a strong likelihood (but no guarantee) of the child needing a care plan for adoption. National adoption data shows most children go on to be adopted, but a small proportion will return to the care of their birth family.
“It is in the child’s best interests to grow up in their own birth family or with people connected to the family, whenever it is safe and possible to do so. If this is the final outcome of the Early Permanence placement this is a positive outcome for the child.”
The children considered for EP are some of the most vulnerable in the care system. To be an EP carer, you need to be able to prioritise a child’s needs and give them the precious gift of stability at a time of great uncertainty in their lives.
We only work with children where, due to the birth family’s circumstances, there is a probability that adoption is the considered care plan. It is the court that makes the final decision, and there will be occasions when it is decided that it is in the child’s best interest to be returned to their birth family.
Initially, as a foster carer, you are caring for the child under fostering regulations, as approved by the child’s local authority, so you will need to consider whether this is something you are comfortable with. You will not be able to regard the child as your own: you will need to be mindful that you are not their ‘mummy’ or ‘daddy’.
It is likely you will go on to adopt the child, but you will need to be able to manage the uncertainty of other outcomes. You will need to think about the possibility of the court not agreeing a plan for adoption and the child leaving your care, and how you will manage your feelings and disappointment. It is important for you to consider what support you might need around you and how you typically deal with stressful or painful situations.
If you already have children, you will need to consider the impact on them as well as yourselves if the child does not remain in your care. Preparation and support for other children in the home is essential.
Some of the qualities required from Early Permanence carers are:
- adaptable – can manage the dual role as foster carers and possibly then adopters
- child centred – willing to take on emotional uncertainty so the child does not have to
- resilient – can cope with the idea of the potential loss of the child
- compassionate – able to manage the arrangements for the child’s time with their birth family both practically and emotionally
- robust – able to manage the anxiety and uncertainty during care proceedings
- supported – a robust network family and friends that you are able to reach out to them when needed
Becoming an EP is not suitable for all prospective adopters. You and your support network will need to be emotionally resourceful, flexible, and able to manage uncertainties.
“Early Permanence for me is all about the children. It really puts children at the centre and tries to remove additional trauma that children might go through. It is really risky for the grown-ups but as far as my husband and I saw it, we are the grown-ups, so let us take the risk and let children be children.”
At Adopt London we think it’s important that every prospective adopter is given the opportunity to find out as much about EP as possible to decide whether its right for them. Therefore, we like to encourage all households considering an adoption assessment; to complete the EP training to allow them to make an informed decision. If you would like more information visit our Early Permanence webpage.
We welcome people from all backgrounds irrespective of gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, religion, marital status and disability; that reflect the diverse needs and demographics of our London children. Why not sign up to attend any of our adoption Information sessions.
