Money Money Money.....

Apparently we don't have enough of it. Or might not have enough of it securely enough to satisfy the adoption panel.

They probably have a point.  To an extent.  We don't want to be in a financial pickle whilst taking care of potentially vulnerable children.  But that doesn't make me feel any better about it.

We met with our social worker on Monday to look at our financial assessment.  Her main concern is that Andy is not earning and my income, whilst potentially substantial, is not secure.  It would be better, from their perspective,  if Andy was in a full time, permanent job.

I've been thinking much more about how we make sure we can be around enough to provide children with the support they might need.  My work can be quite flexible.  If Andy could get some part time, flexible work, that would seem perfect.

Apparently income is much more important than outgoings.  I asked her how much money people are usually earning when they adopt.  What would she be looking for?  She said, about what we were earning before Andy was out of work.

Interestingly, at that point, our income was around £16,000 above the average family income before tax, in the UK.  It is now probably just below the average.  But not by much.

So how do all those families on average or below average incomes, with kids, manage?  Can you really not adopt if you're poor?

The plan is for her to put the figures in her paperwork for the panel and just see what they say.  But she evidently wasn't feeling confident at all about the information we were giving her.

Anyway.  It was all rather depressing.

My logical, rational approach was to sit in a corner and eat brie and drink beer.

Apparently we're aiming for panel in November or December.