Intercountry Adoption
We work with the Inter-Country Adoption Service. They are a specialist intercountry adoption agency that offers an end-to-end service for those looking to adopt a child from overseas, from the point of enquiry until the child enters the UK.
What is Intercountry adoption?
Intercountry adoption, also known as international adoption, is the process of adopting a child living in another country and bringing them to the UK to live. Intercountry adoption is open to all potential adopters, whether first-time adopters, adopting again, or those who have already identified a child in their country of origin.
It is important to note that you must be eligible to adopt both within the UK as well as from the relevant country overseas. Sometimes, that country’s eligibility criteria might be different or more stringent than the UK’s.
With overseas adoption, prospective parents need to be respectful of a child’s culture, particularly if it is not the same as their own. They must be willing to engage with their adoptive child’s background and to ensure that they grow up with a full sense of their cultural heritage.
Intercountry adoption eligibility criteria
When adopting overseas, you must meet the UK adoption eligibility criteria that apply to domestic adoption. You must be:
- Over 21 years of age
- A UK resident for at least one year
- No criminal convictions or cautions for a serious offence against a child or a vulnerable person
- You must also meet the eligibility criteria of the country of the child you hope to adopt. These are often more extensive than the UK’s.
Intercountry adoption financial considerations
While the costs of intercountry adoption can vary depending on the circumstances of your case, it’s useful to have an overview of what to expect financially. Presently, we estimate costs at around £17,000 per child adopted.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs associated with international adoption:
- Agency fees: Cover the services provided by a UK-based adoption agency, including your assessment and support
- Country-specific fees: This can include legal, administrative and translation services
- Travel & accommodation: You’ll likely need to travel to your child’s country at least once during the adoption process
- Legal & immigration costs: Legal fees may be required for solicitors, along with the entry clearance visa for the child
We’re here to support
Some families come to Adopt London very clear about which country they wish to adopt from. They may have personal or cultural ties, family connections overseas or may wish to adopt a relative who lives abroad. Others are less certain and seek guidance to help explore their options in the UK, or in another country entirely.
You can contact the Inter-Country Adoption Centre (Coram IAC)’s Information and Advice Line for more information. Service means they will work with you from initial enquiry through to placement if you wish to pursue intercountry adoption.
Alternatively, your local Adopt London regional adoption agency will support you, should you decide that adopting a child from the UK is the right decision for your family.
Intercountry adoption FAQs
How long does intercountry adoption take? +
Overseas adoption can take a lot longer than domestic adoptions, with legal procedures to follow in not one but two countries. Therefore, Intercountry adoption can take several months to years, from initial assessment to obtaining an adoption order, and varies from country to country.
How much does intercountry adoption cost? +
The cost of intercountry adoption can vary significantly between countries. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £17,000 plus to cover the cost of agency fees, assessments, travel, court costs and visa fees.
Can I adopt from any country? +
No, you cannot adopt from any country. The majority of countries do allow international adoptions, but not all permit it. Once you have been approved as a suitable adopter in the UK, you will then need to navigate the adoption requirements of the country in which you wish to adopt.
Will the child’s adoption be recognised in the UK? +
Whether or not a child’s adoption will depend on when the child was adopted and whether the country in which the adoption was granted is included on the UK government’s ‘designated list’. This list was updated as of 3rd January 2014 and, broadly speaking, includes all countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption 1993.
If the country is included in this list and the adoption happened after 3rd January 2014, the child’s adoption will be recognised in the UK.
What kind of support is available post-intercountry adoption? +
With intercountry adoptions from inside the Hague Convention, adopters automatically get post-adoption support from their local Regional Adoption Agency. Non-Hague Convention adopters have to apply to the UK Courts to regularise the adoption before they can receive support from their local Regional Adoption Agency. Before doing so, they can contact their local authority on a ‘Child in Need’ basis for advice, guidance and support.
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