Registration & Checks
When you have found an agency that you are comfortable with it’s time to formally register your interest to become an adoptive parent and undergo the first round of checks, now known as Stage One. This stage will usually take no longer than two months. Although you can make contact with as many agencies as […]
Exploration
As you begin to decide if being an adoptive parent is right for you, you will want to find out as much information as possible about the nature of adoption and the adoption process. We imagine that’s why you are here! Thankfully there is a lot you can do at the beginning of your journey […]
The adoption process
From the moment you first consider adopting you have begun the adoption process and you are on a journey to discover if it is right for you and what kind of parent you might be. That journey is made together with the social workers and staff at an adoption agency, whose job it is to make […]
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 […]
About us
First4Adoption is the national information service for people interested in adopting a child in England. We give clear and impartial information about adopting and can put you in touch with adoption agencies in your area. The service was launched in 2013 and was funded by the Department for Education until April 2018. The service is now provided via […]
Being an adoptive parent
In England around 2,000 children are waiting for loving adoptive parents. They are a range of ages, from a variety of backgrounds. What they have in common is a difficult start in life and that they can no longer be brought up by their birth families. What the children need All these children need a […]
Who can adopt a child?
Think you could adopt a child? Ask yourself these questions: Can you provide love, time and commitment to a child? Can you empathise with a child who may never have experienced the security of feeling safe and loved? Can you be patient and flexible, to supportively adapt to whatever unique challenges may come from the […]