The criteria to adopt is broad and we are looking for a wide range of people to provide loving and secure homes for children in need of adoption.
Each application will be considered with the happiness and wellbeing of the child and the applicant at heart. We welcome adoptive applicants regardless of race, religion, language, culture, gender, disability, age or sexual orientation.
To Adopt
- Legally you must be over the age of 21 to adopt in the UK. There is no upper age limit although it is preferred that applicants should not be more than 45 years older than the child they would like to adopt.
- You can apply to adopt whether you are an individual, married, in a civil partnership, or living with a partner. Non married couples and same sex couples may apply to adopt.
- Gender or sexuality spectrum will not impact an application to adopt. The term ‘couple’ does not extend to individuals who are related.
- Applicants may or may not have birth children of their own.
- Applicants may have already taken care of the child or children in their capacity as a foster carer.
- Applicants may be related to the child or children.
- Applicants will take part in an assessment to establish whether they can adequately care for a child and meet their emotional as well as physical needs. The health and wellbeing of applicants will be established, as well as parenting skills, understanding children’s needs, and the existence of a support system.
The Adoption Assessment
- An assessment can not be undertaken while fertility treatment or investigations are ongoing.
- Experience of parenting or caring for a child will be helpful but all circumstances are considered.
- The adoption assessment will consider the emotional, physical, and financial security of applicants.
- Applicants may be in full or part time employment and will be required to make use of Statutory Adoption Leave.
- All applicants will be required to attend a preparation course to help ensure that adoption is the right path.
- Assessment involves a police record check, a social services record check, a full medical and the name of two referees.