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Specialists in Fostering Health

The Adoption Process

The Adoption Process:

Your Step-by-Step Guide to the UK Adoption Process

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Adoption is a transformative journey, filled with excitement, challenges, and the opportunity to provide a loving home to a child in need. Understanding the adoption process can help you feel prepared and confident as you take this important step. Below is a detailed guide to the adoption process in the UK.

step 1

Initial Enquiry

Your adoption journey begins with contacting an adoption agency, which can be:

  • A local authority adoption service.
  • A voluntary adoption agency.

During this stage:

  • You’ll receive information about adoption and the process.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss whether adoption is right for you.

step 2

Initial Meeting

If you decide to proceed, the agency will arrange an initial meeting to:

  • Get to know you better and understand your motivations for adopting.
  • Provide more details about the requirements and expectations of adopters.
  • Explain the next steps in the process.

This meeting is informal and aims to help both you and the agency decide whether to move forward.

step 3

Registration of Interest

If both you and the agency feel ready to proceed, you’ll be invited to formally register your interest in adopting. This involves completing an application form and providing basic information about yourself, such as:

  • Personal details (e.g., marital status, employment, and living arrangements).
  • Any relevant background information including providing personal references from family members and non-related persons.

step 4 - stage 1

Stage 1 – Initial Assessment and Preparation

This stage usually takes around 2 months and includes:

  • Checks and References: The agency will carry out background checks, including:
  • A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
  • Health assessments through your GP.
  • References from friends, family, or employers.
  • Completion of a workbook: This is a workbook provided by the agency which requires the applicant to reflect and complete information regarding to their past, current lifestyle relationships and networks alongside the understanding of adoption and expectations.
  • Adoption Preparation Training: You’ll attend sessions to learn about:
  • The needs of adopted children.
  • The role of identity.
  • Attachment, trauma, loss and grief and how adoption affects families.
  • The practicalities of becoming an adoptive parent.

At the end of Stage 1, a decision will be made by the agency regarding your suitability and/or readiness to progress to stage 2. Adopters are able to take a 6-month break at this point. If the break exceeds 6 months they must restart the process.

step 5 - stage 2

Stage 2 – In-Depth Assessment

Stage 2 typically takes around 4 months and involves:

  • Social Worker Visits / Home Study: Social worker visits the home in order to learn and explore the suitability of the couple and readiness through discussions about the applicants past, current circumstances and their understanding of the demands of adoption and our children. This is normally completed via on average 8 weekly sessions which last 2-3 hrs.
  • Prospective Adopters Report or PAR: Following the home visits, the social worker will prepare the adoption assessment, known as a Prospective Adopters Report or PAR. This is the report which is presented to Panel for approval.

step 6

Adoption Panel

Once your assessment is complete, your application will be reviewed by an independent adoption panel. The panel will:

  • Review your home study report and other documents.
  • Discuss your suitability to adopt.
  • Make a recommendation to the agency.

While the panel makes a recommendation, the final decision rests with the agency’s decision-maker.

step 7

Matching with a Child

If approved, the agency will work with you to find a suitable match with a child. This involves:

  • Reviewing profiles of children awaiting adoption.
  • Discussing the child’s needs, background, and personality.
  • Meeting the child’s current carers to learn more about them.

Once a potential match is identified, you’ll have time to consider whether it’s the right fit.

step 8

Introduction and Placement

When a match is agreed upon:

  • Introductions: You’ll meet the child gradually over a series of visits, building trust and familiarity. This is a prolonged experience and it is devised to suit the needs of the child.
  • Placement: The child will move into your home, marking the start of your life together as a family.

step 9

Applying for an Adoption Order

After the child has been living with you for at least 10 weeks, you can apply to the court for an Adoption Order. This legal process involves:

  • A court hearing to finalize the adoption.
  • The transfer of parental responsibility to you.

Once the Adoption Order is granted, you become the child’s legal parent.

step 10

Post-Adoption Support

Adoption is a lifelong journey, and support is always available to help you and your child adjust. Post-adoption support can include:

  • Access to counselling and therapy.
  • Parenting advice and resources.
  • Support groups and networks for adoptive families.

Many agencies offer ongoing support to ensure you and your child thrive together.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Adoption is a rewarding yet complex process and understanding each step can make it feel more manageable. Whether you’re just starting to explore adoption or ready to take the next step, there is help available. Find lots of useful links on our resources page.

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