Adoption

Adoption is a life-changing decision for both yourself and any child being placed for adoption. You might be looking into adoption for the first time or may have been considering it for a number of years.

Whatever your situation our team is always available to talk through any questions, expectations or reservations you may have. Every adoption story is unique and you can read some of our adopter stories here.

We regularly hold Information Evenings for people interested in adoption. During these sessions we explain what we do in greater detail and explain some of the early life experiences of children we are family finding for. To attend an Information Evening you need to call us to register your interest on 0800 023 4064 or fill out our enquiry form.

What is Adoption?

Adoption is a way of providing a new family for a child, when living within their own family is no longer possible. It’s also a legal process. The granting of an Adoption Order by a court, ends a child's legal relationship with their birth parents and transfers parental responsibility to the adoptive parents. The child becomes a full member of their adoptive family, as if they were born to them. An Adoption Order cannot be reversed.

Our children

Our children are at the heart of every decision we make. Our children come from a range of early life experiences but for all of them it has been decided that they are no longer able to live with their birth families and therefore need adoption. They are various ages and come with their own specific set of needs and requirements.

We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you would consider adopting child / children who usually wait longest:

Sibling groups of two or three
Children over the age of four years
Children who may have medical and developmental issues
Children who may have learning difficulties

Our adopters

People choose to adopt for many different reasons. For some people adoption is a route they take following experiences of infertility whist for others adoption is their first choice for starting or extending their family.

The main thing to remember is you are not alone. Our information evenings and training are great places to meet other people starting the adoption process at the same time as you. Later on in the process you may be buddied up with people who have already adopted who can share their experience with you and once you have adopted we host fun days twice a year and a toddler group.

People who can adopt a child are:

Single, married, or in a relationship; irrespective of sexuality and gender. We are looking for a person / people who can offer a child a stable home life.
21 years or older. Applications are welcome from people of all ages however you must be over 21 years old.
Home owners or renting. You simply need to demonstrate you have the space and security to care for children as they grow up.
Doing all kinds of jobs. You don’t need to earn a specific amount of money or have a certain profession. However, you will need to show us that becoming an adopter would not place you in financial difficulties.

We are looking for adopters who demonstrate they are:

Committed: The assessment process is rigorous. You will need to be sure that adoption is the right thing for you. Our social workers will help you consider any issues and support you throughout the process.
Energetic: You must show you can invest time and energy in developing your relationship with your adopted child. Some experience of childcare is beneficial.
Aware and realistic in their expectations: You must be aware that, while adopting a child is very rewarding, it can also be challenging. You will need to accept that an adopted child comes with a history. It is very important that you are open and honest and support them to understand their history and birth family.
Empathetic: Most children who are adopted today will retain some links with their birth family, either through an annual letter or occasionally, face to face contact (e.g. with siblings in other adoptive placements). Some contact may also continue with their foster family if this is important for the child.

It is also important that prospective adopters have:

Good support from family and friends
A good sense of humour
A willingness and desire to learn about the needs of adopted children
A stable lifestyle and can offer a accepting and loving family