Adoption - Your Questions
What Adoption Means
The Children
- What kind of children are waiting to be adopted and where are they from?
- How many children can I adopt?
- How old are the children who are waiting to be adopted?
- Are there children from black and minority ethnic groups who need adoption?
- Can we adopt a baby?
- What do adopted children need?
- Do adopted children keep contact with their birth parents, brothers and sisters, or other relatives?
- What should I do when my adopted child starts asking about their birth parents?
Qualities And Qualifications
- Why do people consider adoption?
- Who can adopt?
- Do I need any special qualifications?
- What skills and experience would help to be an adopter?
- What does it take to be a successful adopter?
- What are the age limits for adopters?
- My own children have left home. Am I too old to adopt?
- Can we adopt more than once?
- I'm disabled. Can I still apply?
- Can we back out after we've applied?
- What if I have any criminal convictions?
- Do I need to be rich to be an adopter?
- Do I need to live in a big house with a big garden?
- I'm single. Could I be considered?
- I'm a divorcee. Can I apply to become an adopter?
- Do I need a full time job?
- We can't have children of our own - can we be considered?
- Do I have to be religious?
- I don't believe in God. Will that count against me?
- I've recently been made redundant. Will this prevent me from being considered as a potential adopter?
- Do I need a car?
- What would prevent me being considered?
- We already have children living at home. Can we adopt?
- I have a child with disabilities: will I still be considered if I apply to be come an adopter?
- I want to adopt a baby from abroad. Can you help me?
- What if I can't cope?
- My application was turned down by another adoption agency. Can I reapply to Faith in Families?
- The Adoption Panel turned us down. Can we reapply?
- I'm not a British citizen? Can I still apply?
- I'm thinking about adopting a stepchild. Can Faith in Families help?
Health Issues
- What about our health?
- I'm overweight - will this count against me?
- I smoke - will this prevent me from being accepted as an adopter?
- Do I have to have a medical?
- I've had infertility/IVF treatment which has been unsuccessful. I want to consider adoption. Can you help?
Finance
- How much does adoption cost?
- Do adopters have the same pay and leave rights as birth parents?'
- Are there other organisations which can help or provide further information?
What Adoption Means
1. What is adoption?
Adoption is a way of providing new families for children who, for various reasons, can no longer be brought up by their birth parents. It is a legal process which transfers all parental responsibility to the adopters. The process culminates in an Adoption Order and an adopted child loses all legal ties with their birth parents and becomes a full member of the new family, usually taking the family's name.
2. What is the difference between adoption and fostering?
Adoption is a legal process by which a child becomes a permanent and full member of a new family. Fostering is a temporary arrangement to allow a child to live with a family until circumstances enable the child to return to their own family, live independently, or be placed for adoption.
Some adoptive parents will receive an adoption allowance whereas foster carers are always given an allowance, and in some cases they are also paid for their services. They always share the responsibility for the child with a fostering agency.
The Children
1. What kind of children are waiting to be adopted and where are they from?
Many people associate adoption with babies. In fact, these days there are very few young babies needing adoption.
Today, the need is to find new families for older children, as well as children with disabilities and groups of brothers and sisters who would otherwise have to stay in one or other form of care, such as foster care.
There are estimated to be as many as 3,000 children in the UK who are waiting to find a new family. Some have waited for years. They come from many different backgrounds.
They are aged between 0 and 16 years but the majority who are placed are between 2-10 years. Some are from black and minority ethnic groups, some have disabilities, some have medical problems and they all have experienced difficulties in their early lives. Brothers and sisters might need to be placed together.
There are many reasons why they can no longer live with their own families - amongst them abuse, neglect or family breakdown. Our aim is to find families to care for these children on a permanent basis so that they can develop for the future secure and stable family lives. There's a particular need to find new homes for older children and those with disabilities.
Most of the children placed for adoption are cared for by their local authority in foster homes prior to placement for adoption. The upheaval they have known in their lives is likely to make an impact on their general development and may also have an influence on their behaviour.
Frequently, brother and sister groups are adopted together, but we also find families for a wide age range of children who are being placed individually. In general, children who are under the age of two are part of a sibling group or have particular medical, developmental or background issues.
Often children with a disability are overlooked by prospective adopters, so Faith in Families is seeking families who can rise to the challenge of caring for a child with a disability. The range of ability within this group of children varies greatly, some may have been physically disabled from birth, some may have moderate to severe learning difficulties. All have the potential to achieve and to bring their adopters an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and achievement.
2. How many children can I adopt?
We frequently place single children and brothers and sisters in adoptive families and have placed sibling groups of three and four children. Quite often adopters come back later to us to adopt a second child.
3. How old are the children who are waiting to be adopted?
The law says that children can be adopted from infancy until the age of 18 years.
We place children of all ages but the majority are between 2 and 10 years.
4. Are there children from black and minority ethnic groups who need adoption?
Yes, and this includes children of dual heritage who tend to wait longest for their new family.
We're looking for families from black and minority ethnic groups which can reflect a child's racial and cultural needs.
5. Can we adopt a baby?
Faith in Families is rarely asked to place healthy white babies for adoption. The most urgent need is for individuals and couples to consider adopting single children, groups of brothers and sisters and children with disabilities. There is a great need for black families to adopt black children of every age.
6. What do adopted children need?
All children need love and security and to be kept safe: for adopted children this is particularly important as they have often not previously experienced this. They need fun-loving, energetic and positive parents who enjoy children and who will delight in their achievements.
7. Do adopted children keep contact with their birth parents, brothers and sisters, or other relatives?
For most children, it is invaluable and appropriate to keep contact with people from their past, including members of their birth family, previous carers and other people who may have been important to them. Contact arrangements vary considerably - sometimes it's regular face-to-face contact and more often it's by letter exchanged confidentially. The Faith in Families team will remain on hand to support you through your particular set of circumstances.
8. What should I do when my adopted child starts asking about their birth parents?
Be honest and answer their questions in as simple and straightforward a manner as you can. We all have a right to know about our history, and a child's need to know does not minimise the value of adoptive parenthood. Adoptive parents have an additional parenting task: to help their child understand about their birth family. Strong relationships are based on truth, so be open and honest and bear in mind the child's age and understanding. We will prepare you for this during the assessment process and will be available to support you if you need help in explaining to your child about their history in the future.
Qualities And Qualifications
1. Why do people consider adoption?
There can be many reasons. Some people consider adoption if they have been unable to have birth children, for whatever reasons. Other people who have birth children but are unable to have any more, turn to adoption to 'complete' their family. We often have applications from successful parents who wish to parent again, sometimes in a second established relationship.
2. Who can adopt?
All applicants must be 21 years old. There is no legal upper age limit.
Faith in Families works with single people and couples who are in an enduring relationship and have been living together for at least 3 years . However, we will provide initial advice and guidance, usually over the telephone, to anyone with in an interest in adoption. .
We positively welcome single applicants and the Agency has a wealth of experience in working with single people.
One of the applicants must be domiciled in the British Isles or both must have been Habitually Resident for a year prior to making an adoption application.
3. Do I need any special qualifications?
4. What skills and experience would help to be an adopter?
5. What does it take to be a successful adopter?
Our adopters are all different. They may be married, single, divorced or widowed; have a full time job or be unemployed; have their own home or live in rented accommodation, or be from any ethnic or religious background. What they all have in common is the willingness and commitment to offer a child or children a loving, caring home in which they can thrive.
Adopters come from all backgrounds and all walks of life. You need to be flexible, patient and have a sense of humour and commitment to children. You need energy and love - and a determination to help children overcome their unhappy and sometimes painful experiences. It takes time. However, the rewards of providing stability and love and seeing children grow are just enormous.
If you decide to proceed we will be looking with you at how your life experience, knowledge and skills will help you to be a successful adopter.
You may not have lots of experience of bringing up children, but other experiences in your life may have given you understanding which will be useful as an adopter.
For example:
- you may have cared for the children of relatives or friends;
- you may have experienced separation from people important to you or even bereavement. This could help you to understand how a child coming into foster care or to an adoptive home may feel;
- you may have been bullied at school or work and so be able to stand up for a child who also feels different.
At this initial stage it would be helpful if you could begin to think about your life experience and the relevant skills and knowledge it has given to you. You need to think not only about the employment you have had and any qualifications you have gained, but also about experiences acquired through your own family life, voluntary work, hobbies and interests.
Why not use the following headlines as a guide to the sort of areas we will be discussing with you further.
Child care experience
- What did you learn from the way you were brought up?
- What experience have you had in caring for children?
- Could you extend your experience by getting involved with local children's groups or schools?
- Working with others as part of a team
- Links with individuals/groups in your community
- Relevant training/achievements
Please contact us if you want to discuss this further.
6. What are the age limits for adopters?
We do not set age limits for adopters but the law states that all applicants must be aged 21 years and above.
All enquiries are given careful consideration , e.g. prospective adoptive parents in their 50’s may well be better suited to school age children.
7. My own children have left home. Am I too old to adopt?
We welcome applications from experienced parents. The Agency has experience of working with adopters in their 50’s. What we seek are families who have the qualities and energy required to parent often physically and emotionally demanding children.
All enquiries are given careful consideration and adoption agencies are advised by the relevant Government Departments that prospective adopters should have "a reasonable expectation of retaining health and vigour so as to be able to meet the many and varied demands of children during their formative years". You will need to consider your age/s in relation to the age/s of child/ren you wish to adopt.
8. Can we adopt more than once?
Yes, second applications are taken forward from families who have already adopted through the agency and these are considered on an individual basis.
9. I'm disabled. Can I still apply?
Yes. We would look at how your disability might affect your ability to become an adoptive parent.
Click on Information Pack for more details.
10. Can we back out after we've applied?
Yes. Sometimes people pull out when they realise adoption is not right for them and we will work with you to discuss any doubts you have.
11. What if I have any criminal convictions?
All adopters are subject to an enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check. There are some criminal offences, those particularly against children, which will rule you out. We're happy to discuss this with you if you are unsure.
12. Do I need to be rich to be an adopter?
No, we will ask you to estimate whether you have the financial resources to care for a child/children. Where there is a shortfall we would ask the placing Local Authority to offer you financial support.
13. Do I need to live in a big house with a big garden?
Wealth and possession do not necessarily make people good adoptive parents. Love, commitment and stability are what children need most of all. You need to consider the space you have available when you are thinking about adoption.
14. I'm single. Could I be considered?
You don't need to be married, or have a partner to become an adoptive parent. Single, divorced and widowed people can apply.
We are pleased to work with single people who wish to consider adoption. As in all applications, careful consideration is given to the applicant's support network and their flexibility regarding employment arrangements, if they are employed.
15. I'm a divorcee. Can I apply to become an adopter?
Yes, we consider applications from people who have been divorced.
16. Do I need a full time job?
No, you don't have to be employed to become an adopter.
17. We can't have children of our own - can we be considered?
Yes, many of our adopters are childless. However, first of all we will always encourage you to discuss matters relating to childlessness with your GP and to pursue medical investigations before considering adoption. We usually ask you to have completed any investigations or treatment before actively pursuing an adoption application. Both avenues to parenthood are emotionally arduous and our experience has shown that it is unwise to follow both options simultaneously.
18. Do I have to be religious?
19. I don't believe in God. Will that count against me?
We accept applicants who have a religious faith and those who have none.
20. I've recently been made redundant. Will this prevent me from being considered as a potential adopter?
We consider people who are employed and those who are not. Your individual circumstances will be considered during your application.
21. Do I need a car?
Not essential, but it can be useful.
22. What would prevent me being considered?
Our primary aim is the welfare of children and meeting their needs throughout their childhood. Occasionally we come across issues which would rule people out, eg serious medical issues; serious criminal offences and some personal issues. Right from the start we will seek to be honest with you about the issues that might rule you out.
23. We already have children living at home. Can we adopt?
We welcome applications from families with children. Generally the child to be adopted is placed as the youngest family member, and usually an age gap of a couple of years is preferred. It will be important for your social worker to meet your children and to consider their views and understanding of adoption.
Experience has taught us that the children we place for adoption are emotionally vulnerable and very demanding of attention: it will take time for them to begin to settle in your family. You will have to consider how this may affect the children living in the family.
Occasionally a family with young children are interested in adopting either a much older school-aged child or teenager or an older child with a severe disability. The circumstances of their application would be given careful individual consideration.
24. I have a child with disabilities: will I still be considered if I apply to become an adopter?
We positively welcome people who are interested in or have experience of children with disabilities. Faith in Families are gaining experience and links in this specialist area to support families who adopt disabled children. You may, of course, want to adopt a child who is not disabled.
25. I want to adopt a baby from abroad. Can you help me?
No. We are not approved to undertake inter country adoptions. Please contact your local authority or a voluntary agency approved for this purpose. For further information you can contact the Overseas Adoption Helpline at www.oah.org.uk.
26. What if I can't cope?
Adoption is a challenging task. You need to be confident about your skills. Good preparation and ongoing support will be offered by Faith in Families and others to help you. You need to consider where your personal support will come from. Faith in Families recognises the lifelong impact of adoption and that support may be needed from time to time throughout a child’s life and beyond.
27. My application was turned down by another adoption agency. Can I reapply to Faith in Families?
Possibily. Faith in Families would take a fresh look at your situation. With your consent part of our consideration will involve a discussion with the other agency.
28. The Adoption Panel turned us down. Can we reapply?
If your application is not recommended by the Adoption Panel you will be given an opportunity to make representations within 40 working days, either to the Faith in Families Adoption Panel or to the Independent Review Mechanism. This is an Independent Adoption Panel which could reconsider your application and make a fresh recommendation for the Agency Decision Maker at Faith in Families to consider.
29. I'm not a British citizen? Can I still apply?
You do not need to be a British citizen, but a single applicant must be domiciled in the British Isles. For a married couple one of the applicants must be domiciled in the British Isles or both must have been Habitually Resident for more than one year.
30. I'm thinking about adopting a stepchild. Can Faith in Families help?
No. Please contact your local authority for further information.
Health Issues
1. What about our health?
All adoption applicants are required by law to have a medical examination as part of their adoption assessment. This is undertaken by your GP and the necessary forms are supplied by us. The completed report is returned by the GP to our Medical Adviser for comment and a recommendation to the Adoption Panel. Adoption medical reports are held confidentially by the Agency.
Prospective adopters are expected to be in good general health. This includes consideration of lifestyle-related issues such as weight, smoking and alcohol consumption. These factors are not in themselves reasons to reject an application. Our Medical Adviser considers all medical information and if, in their professional opinion, there is a particular health risk either to you or to the children who may be placed in your care, we would then discuss these matters with you carefully before taking things further.
Occasionally applicants tell us at their first enquiry about a known medical condition for which they are receiving treatment, or they may be concerned about the possibility of inherited medical conditions in their extended family. In these circumstances we may advise you to have early adoption medicals so that any difficulties can be addressed promptly in discussion with our Medical Adviser.
2. I'm overweight - will this count against me?
Prospective adopters are expected to be in good general health and being overweight can be a health risk. This needs to be balanced against the qualities you bring to parenting and advice may be given on how to adjust your lifestyle appropriately.
3. I smoke - will this prevent me from being accepted as an adopter?
Prospective adopters are expected to be in good general health and smoking is a serious risk to your health. However, this needs to be balanced against the qualities you bring to parenting and often advice will be given to you on how to make the necessary lifestyle changes. Children under the age of 5 years and children with breathing problems, e.g. asthma, are not usually placed with smokers.
4. Do I have to have a medical?
Yes. All adoption applicants are required by law to have a medical examination as part of their adoption assessment. This is done by an appointment with your GP and the necessary forms are supplied by us. The completed report is returned by the GP to our Medical Adviser for comment and a recommendation to the Adoption Panel. Adoption medical reports are held confidentially by the Agency.
Prospective adopters are expected to be in good general health. This includes consideration of lifestyle-related issues such as weight, smoking and alcohol consumption. These factors are not in themselves contra-indications to adoption. Our Medical Adviser considers all medication information and if, in their professional opinion, there is a particular health risk either to you or to the children who may be placed in your care, we would then discuss these matters with you carefully before proceeding further.
Occasionally applicants tell us at their first enquiry about a known medical condition for which they are receiving treatment, or they may be concerned about the possibility of inherited medical conditions in their extended family. In these circumstances we may advise you to have early adoption medicals so that any difficulties can be addressed promptly in discussion with our Medical Adviser.
5. I've had infertility/IVF treatment which has been unsuccessful. I want to consider adoption. Can you help?
Yes. many of our adopters are childless, or are unable to have subsequent children. However, first of all we will always encourage you to discuss matters relating to childlessness with your GP and to pursue medical investigations before considering adoption. We usually ask you to have completed any investigations or treatment before actively pursuing an adoption application. Both avenues to parenthood are emotionally arduous and our experience has shown that it is unwise to follow both options simultaneously.
Finance
1. How much does adoption cost and is there any financial help available?
Medical charges
You will have to pay for the cost of the statutory adoption medical examination yourself. Charges can vary, but are usually in the region of £50 to £75.
Legal expenses
There is a standard national fee of £140 per child to lodge an Adoption Application in the County Court. However, the child's local authority will usually pay this fee. They will also pay any legal costs involved in a complex adoption application if you are not eligible for Community Legal Help (formerly Legal Aid).
Financial support
Local Authorities will consider the possibility of offering financial support to families for children who have a range of special needs which require extra funding. A support plan will be prepared in partnership with you which will include any financial support that may be required. Families may be required to make an income declaration and, generally, allowances are taxable. Once agreed, allowances may continue to be paid long-term (following the granting of an Adoption Order) or may be a one-off lump sum. The allowances do not undermine the legality of the Adoption Order.
Adoption Support
A Local Authority placing a child with you is required to prepare an Adoption Support Plan for your child in partnership with you. This plan will cover all the services and help you and your child may need such as health and education or any specialist services, e.g. therapy as well as financial support. The Plan should be reviewed and updated regularly
Child Benefit
Adopters are entitled to claim Child Benefit straight away following placement. Their claim will be endorsed by the child's social worker, and payment should continue uninterrupted following the making of the Adoption Order.
Details of Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit can be obtained from Revenue & Customs.
See also 'Do adopters have the same pay and leave rights as birth parents?'
2. Do adopters have the same pay and leave rights as birth parents?'
Adoptive parents are entitled to up to 39 weeks' paid adoption leave followed immediately by up to 13 weeks additional unpaid adoption leave.
During adoption leave, most adopters are entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay from their employers at the same standard rate as Statutory Maternity Pay - currently £123.06 a week or 90% of their average weekly earnings if this is less than £123.06.
Employees now also have the right to paid paternity leave to care for their new child or support their partners. For more details, see the DTI website.
3. Are there other organisations which can help or provide further information?
Yes. Click here for details.
Another Question?
If you have a question or questions and you can't find the answers on this website, please click here and complete our online form.
Alternatively you can email us and we'll promise to respond within 24 hours during the working week, or within 48 hours for requests received during the weekend. We can arrange for one of our adoption practitioners to contact you by telephone.