Updating

Rang and rang and rang the DfES helpline as soon as it 'opened' at 1.30pm!! They finally answered at 2.10pm - and believe me I had them on constant redial!!

The first thing we sorted out is that, despite it not being on the list of documents needed, China insist (according to DfES) on having the AH Adult Medical Form. So we have to get hold of the forms from our LA, get the appointments booked, and get the completed forms back to our LA - added to our dossier and sent back to the DfES!!

Second thing I wanted to check was what to do about our China specific medicals (dated 21st & 28th Sept and only valid for 1 year). After checking with someone the DfES man said he couldn't tell us what to do or not to do, but would advise keeping an eye on the processing times and if it looks like it will be a close shave in getting our papers to China, then to redo them then. He kept saying it all depends on how quickly China process LIDs once our papers arrive at the CCAA - I reminded him that it also (very much!!) depended on how quickly DfES process our papers!!

Thirdly I wanted to check the "returning your adoption application" wording. And YES they have sent the WHOLE THING (all our precious papers!!) back to our LA. For goodness sake!!!!!! I expressed my surprise and frustration at this - nicely honest :-) Didn't really get any answer as to why they would do it this way though. He did acknowledge how frustrating it must be, which is something I suppose.

Lastly - what do we do about the 'missing' Agency Decision Makers letter. I said I'd already spoken to our LA and they insisted it was in with the rest of the papers. And that DfES are now saying it isn't - I'm stuck in the middle!! He said he could understand my predicament, but that it really had to be the original letter that was included - copies maybe wouldn't be accepted by CCAA and then that would mean our application would be rejected.

Next got on the phone to Admin at our LA. Admin confirmed that they had received the whole dossier back in the post this morning - and was just as shocked as we were that this is the procedure!! On checking the document list - Agency Decision Makers letter was listed and was in the second folder all the time!! At least that solves any problems of having to get hold of either a new letter or an acceptable (to CCAA) copy.

Admin also said she had already put 3 copies of the AH Adult Medical Form in the post to us, first class. And that Dept Boss Lady would be ringing me later. Admin was very apologetic and couldn't understand how this has happened. We agreed that we hope everything goes smoothly from now on!!