Right, so you have given the matter thought, you have decided that adoption may well be for you and you have an idea of what sort of child you would like to adopt.

Now you have to make that first step, contacting an agency.

Most people apply to their local adoption agency. Adoption agency is the term given to any organisation charged with finding new permanent homes for children who have been separated from their birth parents and legally freed for adoption.

Mostly these agencies are local social services departments, which employ social workers specifically dealing with adoption and fostering work.

A helpful organisation is the British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF). In partnership with social workers, BAAF supports applicants through the adoption process.

Every adoption agency will have a slightly different approach to the adoption procedure but many aspects are governed by law and will apply to all.

During the initial contact with an agency, you may be asked briefly about your circumstances and about what sort of child you are hoping to adopt.

This is done to discover if you meet the agency's minimum requirements to adopt, such as age (minimum, by law, is 21) and how long you have been married or lived with your partner. Many adoption agencies will not consider applications from couples, married or unmarried, unless they have been living together for at least three years.

If you are seeking to adopt a baby, there may be other factors they will take into account, such as health.

It is likely that you will be advised that your police and health records will need to be checked during the assessment procedure.

Next, the agency will probably send you an information pack.

Top

Back to procedure menu

Back to main menu