The adoption process
If you’re considering adoption, then you’ve already taken the first important step. Now, it’s time to think about what this journey might look like for you. A big part of this is understanding what’s involved in the adoption process.
Attend an Adopt London event
A key first step in the adoption process is to attend one of our regular adoption information events. Here, you’ll meet members of the adoption team, and they’ll walk you through the process in detail, answering any questions and offering valuable insights to help you feel confident about taking the next step toward growing your family through adoption.
You’ll meet adoptive parents – either at an information session or at a Meet the Adopters session. Each session will give you the opportunity to ask questions and hear real-life experiences as an adoptive family.
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The adoption process: step-by-step
Info packExploration
- First, you will need to absorb as much information as possible. Reading, research and attending an adoption information event provide the opportunity to learn more about the assessment process, the rewards and challenges it comes with, the types of children in need of parents, and the support available.
Initial checks & registration
- When you have found an adoption agency you are comfortable with, it’s time to start the formal assessment process. This includes things like references, background checks, a medical and lots of homework to demonstrate your commitment, understanding and readiness. This is the formal Stage One part of the adoption assessment process and should take around two months.
Training & assessment
- During Stage Two of the adoption process, a social worker will work closely with you and your family, assessing your strengths before presenting them in a report to the Adoption Panel. This should take around four months.
Matching with the right child
- We work with you throughout your assessment and after your approval at the Adoption Panel to find the right child for you. We will discuss the suitability of children with you, and when all parties agree, the recommendation will be sent to the Matching Panel for approval. They will make the final decision.
Moving in
- Once a match has been agreed, you’ll begin spending time with the child through a series of well-planned and scheduled introductions, supported by your social worker and the foster carers. A series of visits and short stays will help you all build a bond and ease the transition. When everyone feels ready, the child will move in with you. After settling in together, you’ll be able to apply to the court to become their legal parent. After a minimum of ten weeks, you can then apply for an Adoption Order.
Early Permanence adoption process
Perhaps you’re wondering how the Early Permanence process differs from the traditional adoption process. Whilst your approval process follows all of the same steps and stages above, there are a few key differences:
- Placements often happen with short notice and faster
- You’ll be expected to follow fostering regulations, and only care for the child until the court agrees that adoption is in their best interests
- The outcome for the child and the EP carer will be unknown until the court makes its final decision
- You will facilitate weekly contact with the birth family
At Adopt London, we encourage all potential adopters to complete the additional two-day Early Permanence preparation training as an opportunity to find out more before they rule themselves out.
Early Permanence
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The adoption process FAQs
How long does the adoption process take? +
The adoption process in the UK typically takes around 6 months to get approved. Once approved, the time it takes to be matched with a child can vary. It could be as little as several months, or it could be as long as a year or more. This very much depends on how open and flexible adopters are to meeting the needs of the children waiting.
What adoption paperwork is involved? +
Adoption paperwork typically involves the following:
- A social work assessment that looks at your home environment, your family and your ability to meet the needs of a child
- References
- Medical reports
- Criminal background checks (DBS)
- Local Authority checks
Will I have support completing the adoption paperwork? +
Yes, your adoption agency and social worker will complete most of the adoption paperwork and navigate the legal requirements. They will share the final Prospective Adopters Report with you to check and comment on before it is presented to the panel.
When does the legal adoption paperwork begin? +
Your social worker will start gathering information from you to be included in the legal adoption paperwork as soon as you start Stage One, all of which will be included in the Prospective Adopters Report.
What is Stage One of the adoption process? +
Stage One of the adoption process focuses on assessing your suitability and helping you decide if adoption is right for you. The process involves:
- Your initial enquiry
- Home visit
- Background checks
- References
- Medical
- Training
What is Stage Two of the adoption process? +
Stage Two of the adoption process focuses on more detailed sharing of information with a social worker about (but not limited to) your reasons for wanting to adopt, your capacity to adopt, your parenting style and the type of children you might be able to consider. This is then written by your social worker, which includes their recommendation on your suitability to adopt into the Prospective Adopters Report (PAR) and presented to the Adoption Panel.
What happens once I’ve been approved for adoption? +
Once you are approved for adoption, the focus turns to matching you with a child. Once a match has been found, you will return to the Panel to have the match approved. After this, you’ll spend time getting to know the child with the support of your social worker and their foster carer in carefully planned and scheduled meetings over a period of 10-14 days. After 10 weeks, you can apply to the court for an Adoption Order, which finalises the process and grants you full parental responsibility.
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