What law governs adoption in England?
Domestic adoption in England is governed primarily by the Adoption and Children Act 2002. The process is also regulated by the Adoption Agencies Regulations 2005. The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption applies to international adoptions from countries that are signatories.
What types of adoption are available in England?
The main types are domestic adoption through a local authority or voluntary adoption agency, step-parent adoption (where a step-parent adopts their partner's child), re-adoption after intercountry adoption, and adoption by a relative. Each has a slightly different process and different requirements for prospective adopters.
How do I start the adoption process in England?
You can approach your local authority or a voluntary adoption agency registered with Ofsted. You can also use the First4Adoption website (first4adoption.org.uk), which is the national information resource for people considering adoption in England. The agency will provide information sessions and then invite you to apply formally.
What does the home study process involve?
The home study is an assessment carried out by an adoption social worker over several months. It covers your personal history, relationships, parenting experience, health, finances, and motivation to adopt. References are taken up and a DBS check is carried out. The social worker then prepares a Prospective Adopter's Report (PAR) for the agency's adoption panel.
What happens at matching and what is a placement order?
Once approved as an adopter you are matched with a child. Matching considers the needs of the child and what you can offer. Before a child in local authority care can be placed with you for adoption the family court must make a placement order under the Adoption and Children Act 2002, which removes parental responsibility from the birth parents for the purposes of adoption.
How do I apply for an adoption order from the family court?
After the child has lived with you for at least ten weeks (three years for step-parent adoptions in some circumstances) you can apply to the family court for an adoption order using Form A58. The application fee is currently £183. The court will appoint a CAFCASS officer to represent the interests of the child. A hearing is then listed, usually within a few months.
What is special guardianship and how does it differ from adoption?
Special guardianship is an alternative to adoption, often used when adoption is not appropriate — for example if the child has strong links with their birth family or is older. A special guardian has parental responsibility and the child lives with them permanently, but the child retains their birth family identity and links. Adoption extinguishes the legal relationship with the birth family entirely.
What support is available after adoption in England?
Adopters have a right to request a post-adoption support assessment from the local authority. Support services can include therapeutic services, financial support (adoption allowances in some cases), support groups, and help managing contact arrangements with the birth family. The Adoption Support Fund pays for therapeutic support for adopted children.
How does intercountry adoption work in England?
To adopt from another country you must be assessed and approved in England, then follow the legal process of the country you are adopting from. If the child is from a Hague Convention country the process is streamlined. You will need approval from the Department for Education and an entry clearance visa from UKVI for the child. The process typically takes two to four years.
How does uplaw.ai help with the adoption process in England?
Tell uplaw.ai which stage of the adoption process you are at and what questions you have. We help you understand what to expect at each step, how to prepare your PAR supporting documents, how to complete the Form A58 adoption order application, and what post-adoption support you are entitled to request.
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