Medical Assessment

Before being approved as an adopter you will need undergo a medical assessment.

This involves the completion of a medical questionnaire which covers any medical conditions you have or have had in the past including any medications you are taking. It also asks about your family history and lifestyle such as smoking, alcohol and drug use and diet and lifestyle.

The more accurate and detailed information you provide, the better picture can be formed of your health status. Please include information regarding any issues with your mobility or ability to carry out any tasks.

This is medical assessment completed using a form AH.

You would then need to attend a medical assessment with your GP or other doctor (who has access to your full medical records). At this appointment, the information you have provided will be reviewed against your medical records for accuracy. The doctor will also provide further details regarding your medical history and will check your height, weight, blood pressure and test a urine sample.
This completed form will then be returned to the adoption agency. The adoption agency’s medical adviser will review the form and provide a medical report regarding how any of your health issues may impact on your capacity to care for a child.

This report is not considered in isolation and is taken as part of the whole picture presented to the adoption panel.

Medical Reviews

Approved adopters are expected to inform the fostering agency of any changes to their health out with any regular reviews.

Your health status will also be considered during your annual review. You will be required to complete a health update form, which will then be forward to your GP who will note any changes to your health since your initial medical assessment.

Health updates are usually completed using the form AH2.

The completed form AH2 is reviewed by the adoption agency medical adviser and a report provided which will be used as part of your review assessment.