Adoption Process in the UK

Some people cannot have children and after years of trying frustration and anger arise. But, adoption is a solution to this issue because people who really want to have a child can eventually become parents. Besides, a child who does not have parents can finally become a part of a family and lead a happy life. Unfortunatley, many people do not know how the whole adoption process looks like in the UK so this article will briefly outline it.

Firstly, you have to apply through your county's website to become a foster parent. Then, you are going to be invited for preparation classes which are held in your area. At that time you will also be able to get some advice about adoption and it's effects on you. So, if you have any doubts relating to adoption it can be a good opportunity for you to find out more about it.

Your next step would be to invite a social worker a few times so that he could carry out an assessment. The purpose of this assessment is to check whether you are suitable to become adoptive parents. A police check will also have to be arranged to make sure that you or your family members have not been convicted of a serious offence, especially against a child.


Then, you are going to have to provide names of three referees to give you a personal reference. But, only one of them can be your relative. Besides, you will have to arrange a full medical examination.

At the end of this process, the social worker will send the assessment report to an adoption panel. It is an independent group of people which makes recommendations to the adoption agency based on your assessment. Besides, you can meet with them to ask any questions and to answer their questions.The panel will, then, send their recommendation to the agency. It is the latter which decides whether you are suitable to become foster parents. If you are, then, a child will be found for you through Adoption Register for England. There you will be able to find children who need adopting.

If, however, the agency says that you cannot adopt a child, you can challenge this decision by sending them a letter or by contacting the Independent Review Mechanism.

To sum up, the process of adoption in the UK is complicated and so it can be long-lasting. But, if you want to have a child, it is worth it. The most important part of the process is to invite a social worker  and to take part in preparation classes. So, it is not all that hard to become a foster parent after all. You just have to stay positive and be patient.



Sources: https://www.gov.uk/child-adoption/adoption-assessment 
https://www.gov.uk/child-adoption/early-stages-of-adoption
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