This section of the website is a great starting point to find out more about adoption. On these pages you can learn about:
Why are children adopted in England and Wales?
Children of all ages and ethnic/racial backgrounds with a wide range of needs require new homes. Most are adopted from local authority care because their birth parents are unable to care for them adequately. Many have experienced abuse and neglect. Removing children from their families and placing them for adoption is an extreme move and only happens when it is in the best interests of the child and further attempts to rehabilitate the child have little chance of success.
There were 60,300 children in local authority care on 31 March 2006. Whilst many spend only a short time being looked after, a significant number still need a long term family home. During the previous year 3,700 children were adopted from care. The average age at adoption was four years, one month.
Who can adopt in England and Wales?
Marital Status Single people, married couples, cohabiting couples and same-sex couples can all adopt. Sexuality is not a barrier to adoption.
Age Adopters in England and Wales must be over 21 years of age (18 if one of a couple is the birth parent). There is no upper age limit, but the placing authority must be confident anyone adopting a child will have the energy required and be in good enough health to offer a stable home.
Finances You do not need to be wealthy or a homeowner to adopt, but will need to give details of income and explain how you would support a child. You must have adequate space to cater for the needs of the child and, depending on your circumstances, may be eligible for financial support from the local authority, reviewed annually. You can also apply for means tested benefits and tax credits like any other family.
Health Adoptive parents need the energy to cope with family life and meet the needs of the child throughout childhood and into early adulthood. Health and well-being play a part in the assessment process, but you are not automatically disqualified for being disabled, overweight or having a medical condition. If you have a medical condition or disability, but are unsure how you would cope on a practical level, use Adoption UK’s PAL service to speak to an adopter with that condition.
Other Considerations If you have a criminal record, you must disclose this when applying. It will not automatically disqualify you from adopting, but the law will not permit anyone to adopt or foster if they, or a member of their household, has been convicted or cautioned for offences against a child.
Due to the effects of passive smoking on babies and children, some adoption agencies are cautious about placing a young child in a smoking household, particularly if they have a history of heart or respiratory problems. Smokers are not automatically discounted from adopting, but an adoption agency will consider the possible effects and discuss the associative issues with prospective adopters.
Child’s Permanence Report (formerly known as Form E): includes an assessment of a child’s emotional and behavioural development, a chronology of decisions and actions taken by the agency, and why the placement for adoption is considered the preferred option. It is prepared by social workers who have the necessary qualifications and experience.
Updated February 2007