Hello.
I'm a producer on Victoria Derbyshire's programme on BBC Radio 5 live. Last week, we broadcast an interview with "Jack" - a man who's about to adopt but who was very frustrated about the process he and his wife had been through.
You can find out more about it here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/victoriaderbyshire/2009/12/adoption_and_expenses.shtml
The reponse from our listeners was immense - we had people who wanted to adopt, people going through the process, people with adopted children and many social workers get in touch. We want to return to the issue in the New Year but we REALLY want to hear more from a social worker. It'd be great if I could find an adoption social worker who would let a reporter spend a day with them - a real opportunity to explain the day-to-day priorities and workload from someone on the front line. It'd be a chance to explore any misconceptions you think there is about the job.
Of course, I'd need to work with your press office about how we could do it and we'd respect the privacy of your case work.
If you'd like to know more then please contact me by email paul.stanworth@bbc.co.uk. It can be confidentially in the first instance if you prefer.
Many thanks.
my wife and i had looked into adoption a few years ago, went to a few meetings but we pulled out due to the approach of the team, we were told about how one of us would have to work part time to be around for the kid (that would mean moving house and away from the good school we moved for whilst planning kids/adoption). we were also put off massive and i would say oppressive checks on our background, finances and relatives. further to that the ongoing contact with the 'birthmother' was not our cup of tea.
now happily childless.