Adoption support services & therapies
There is a range of adoption support services available to children adopted from care and it is important for you, as adoptive parents, to know what might be available to you and your child. Who are the service providers? Some of the support services listed below may be provided by your adoption agency. Others may be […]
Advice on available support
Your Local Authority can advise you on adoption support services that may be available to you. The local authority that places the child with you is responsible for assessing your adoption support needs for three years after the adoption order. After three years it becomes the responsibility of the local authority where you live (if […]
Success stories: Adopting siblings
Sarah and Dan’s story Our social worker was so positive and welcoming. Her attitude always seemed to be ‘you will make great parents’. She explained that she’d support us through adoption, help us understand the commitment that’s involved and then make a really good match. We were delighted to discover that you could adopt siblings […]
Who can’t adopt?
While adoption is open to more people than you might think, there are some conditions that will automatically exclude you. Age If you are aged under 21, you cannot legally adopt in the UK. If it is your dream to adopt please don’t give up; please consider coming back in a few years. Location To […]
10 common misconceptions quashed
I’m single, so I can’t adopt Single people can adopt, whatever their gender. Many single people and unmarried couples have successfully adopted children. Find out more about becoming a single adopter I’m too old to adopt Adopters need to be over 21 but there is no upper age limit. Agencies will expect you to have […]
About the children
There are over 82,000 children in care in England that need either fostering or adopting. They come from a variety of different ethnic and religious backgrounds and some may have disabilities or other special needs. Most children who need adoptive families have been removed from their birth families by the courts because their parents and […]
How do I decide if it’s right for me?
Are you thinking of adopting a child but aren’t sure whether it’s right for you? Adoption is a way of providing a permanent family for children who cannot be brought up by their own parents for many reasons. Parenting adopted children, whilst presenting unique challenges, can be extremely rewarding. If you are able to offer […]
Moving in – Becoming a family
You and your child(ren) will be supported by a social worker as you get to know each other, start living together and become a family. Initially you will spend time with your child in the foster carer’s home getting to know the child in an environment that is comfortable for the child. You will have […]
Matching with the right child
Once you are approved as a prospective adopter, the next step is to be matched with a child who could thrive in your family. Your social worker is responsible for seeking a potential child among those who are currently waiting. Some prospective adopters are matched with a child quite quickly, but for others it may […]
Assessment, Training & Approval
This marks the beginning of Stage Two which is a 4-month long process during which time you will be assessed and a decision will be made on whether you are suitable to become an adopter. Second time adopters will begin the process at this stage as part of the ‘Fast Track’ Assessment. The training and […]