The 9th of November is World Adoption Day 2025. To mark the occasion, we’re taking a look at what World Adoption Day is and why it’s important, as well as exploring differences in adoption globally, and offering insight into the process of adopting here in the UK.
What Is World Adoption Day?
World Adoption Day is an annual celebration every November 9th, that aims to celebrate all those in the adoption community, including those working in adoption services, adopters, adoptees, and birth families.
Every adoption journey is different, and World Adoption Day is a chance to uplift the voices of all those affected by adoption, and a way for their stories and experiences to be shared and heard.
There are lots of different ways to get involved this World Adoption Day, including sharing your adoption story on social media using the hashtag #WorldAdoptionDay.
Global Differences in Adoption
Adoption differs worldwide, meaning that there are significant differences between the legal frameworks, policies and processes, expectations and outcomes for adoption across the globe. How adoption works in practice, and the culture surrounding adoption differs from country to country.
Adoption in the US, for example, is quite different to adoption in the UK. In the former, adopters can expect to spend upwards of $40,000 on a private adoption, whereas in the UK, no money changes hands during the adoption process, and the only fee adopters may be expected to pay is £207 to cover the cost of a court order after their adopted child is already living with them.
Additionally, in the UK, far fewer babies are relinquished at birth or voluntarily put up for adoption during the mother’s pregnancy compared to in the US.
Adopting in the UK
Recent adoption statistics show that as of March 2024, there were 3,690 children awaiting adoption in England, with an average wait of 883 days between a child entering care and being placed with an adoptive family.
In the UK, all adoptions are overseen by a Local Authority (LA) or an adoption agency. This might be a Voluntary Adoption Agency (VAA) or Regional Adoption Agency (RAA).
Prospective adopters must undergo a rigorous assessment process, which involves:
- Background checks, such as a criminal record check (DBS check) and references.
- A health and safety assessment of your home.
- Regular home visits from a social worker.
- A comprehensive adoption medical to ensure that you are fit and well enough to adopt a child and address any health concerns you might have.
- Adoption preparation training. This is to help you learn more about the types of children waiting for adoption, and better understand the needs of adopted children and how you’ll meet those needs in practice.
- An independent adoption panel who will make a recommendation to the agency decision-maker.
To find out more about the process of adopting in the UK, you’ll find an overview of the adoption process in the For Applicants section of our website.
Orr Medical - Supporting Adoption Agencies and Adopters
Here at Orr Medical, we’re proud to support #WorldAdoptionDay. We work closely with adoption agencies and local authorities all across the UK so we understand well the importance of celebrating all those affected by adoption, and highlighting the specific needs, challenges, and achievements of both adopters and adoptees.
We pride ourselves on ensuring that prospective adopters feel supported during the adoption medical assessment process, and are dedicated to providing a smooth, hassle-free service, so that adopters can focus on their adoption journey without getting hung up on paperwork or stuck waiting for appointments.
To find out more about how we work and the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or give us a call on 01772 915861. We look forward to hearing from you.