First Steps

Building Adoption Readiness First Steps is a free online resource, designed by experts, to help you understand the rewards and challenges of adoptive parenting. Whether you’re here to browse or you’re looking for more in-depth information, First Steps is here to guide you through a wide range of subjects, that empower you to be a […]

Privacy policy

This Privacy Policy outlines what kind of personal information is collected by First4Adoption, why and how it is used, the conditions under which it is kept, how long we keep it for, when we may share it with others, and your rights in relation to your information. Any questions regarding this Privacy Policy and our […]

Adoption

Adoption is a permanent, legal arrangement where a child joins a new family when the court decides it is not possible for them to be raised by their birth parents or within the birth family. Adopters assume parental responsibility for the child who takes the surname of the new parents and becomes a permanent member […]

Top 10 tips for adopters by the adopted

Through a series of participation groups, young adopted people exchanged their views and experiences in order to help future adopters and professionals dealing with adopted children and young adults. During initial workshops, they devised a list of top 10 tips they wanted to pass on to adopters to help them make a positive difference to […]

Confidentiality

First4Adoption takes confidentiality seriously and offers a confidential service to those who contact us. You can choose to remain anonymous however sharing your information helps us to provide you with the best service. Any personal information that you choose to give us will be held securely and in compliance with data protection law, and will […]

Where we can’t help you

Our service only covers adoption in England. If you have questions about adopting in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you will need to approach the authorities in those countries. Wales The National Adoption Service Scotland St Andrews Children’s Centre Northern Ireland Health and Social Care (HSC) Adoption & Fostering Fostering is a hugely important commitment and many […]

Thinking about adoption if you already have children

Families are made up in many different ways, and adoption is one way to extend your family. Considering adoption if you already have a child or children needs careful planning. The motivation to adopt may be for a number of reasons; you may be facing fertility or medical issues, or simply making a conscious choice […]

Your health and adoption

You need to have energy and will be expected to give care and support for your adopted child throughout childhood and into young adulthood. What the agency needs to know During the first assessment stage of the adoption process, you would need to have a medical. Agencies are trying to assess two things: your longevity […]