Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no upper age limit to adopt a child. However, all prospective adopters must be in good health and capable of meeting a child’s care and parenting needs. Older applicants may wish to consider adopting an older child, as this can increase the likelihood of a successful placement.

Yes, we welcome applications from individuals or couples who already have biological or adopted children. Each family is assessed on a case-by-case basis. While we are open to considering the placement of an older child where appropriate, it is more common for younger children to be placed in these situations.

For applicants who are employed full-time or part-time, either one applicant or a single applicant is expected to take adoption leave at the start of the placement. Many placing authorities require one prospective adopter to be available as a full-time parent for at least 12 months following placement, particularly when the child is of preschool age.

However, this requirement may vary depending on the child’s needs and the family’s individual circumstances.
Your employment status does not impact your adoption application.

However, we do expect that your work commitments are flexible enough to accommodate the needs of a child, especially during the initial settling-in period. Once you are formally matched with a child, prospective adopters are entitled to statutory adoption leave and pay, which provide the same rights as statutory maternity leave and pay.

This allows adopters to take up to 12 months of adoption leave. For further information, please visit gov.uk/adoption-leave.

Most adoption agencies view the quality and strength of a couple’s relationship as more important than the length of time they have been together when considering their ability to parent an adopted child.

However, when couples apply to adopt jointly, the duration of their relationship and the time they have lived together will be taken into account as part of the assessment to help determine whether the relationship can offer the long-term stability and commitment that a child needs.

It is not necessary to be wealthy or own your own home to adopt. What matters is that you have sufficient space to comfortably accommodate a child and can provide for their needs financially. Your financial situation will be assessed as part of the adoption process.

No, previous experience is not essential, although it can be beneficial. What matters most is your ability to communicate effectively, build a nurturing and reassuring relationship with a child, and demonstrate flexibility in responding to their needs.

Not necessarily. Our primary focus is to ensure that children are placed with adopters who can provide a stable, nurturing family environment and meet the child’s needs through to adulthood.

As part of the adoption process, all applicants are required to undergo a comprehensive medical assessment with their own GP. We kindly ask that you disclose all relevant medical information, including any history of life-threatening or recurring illnesses, known genetic conditions, or psychological or psychiatric referrals or treatments.

This information should pertain to you, any member of your household, or immediate family members. In cases where an applicant is undergoing, or anticipating, a significant medical procedure (such as major surgery), we generally advise that the application process begins only after the procedure has been completed and adequate time has passed to allow for a full physical recovery.

We are committed to supporting you throughout this process and will work with you to address any concerns related to your health or medical history.

The national guidance from BAAF highlights that babies and young children up to the age of five, as well as children with respiratory conditions, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smoking. It is therefore considered in the best interests of these children to be placed in smoke-free households whenever possible.

While each Adoption Agency has its own policy, AiM strongly encourages prospective adopters to stop smoking. For those who vape, there is an expectation to have ceased vaping before progression to stage two of the adoption process.

We are cautious about progressing applications from smokers unless they have significant experience caring for vulnerable children over the age of five and can meet the specific needs of older children. Our aim is to promote smoke-free homes to provide the healthiest and safest environment for all children.

It is widely acknowledged within adoption services that applicants should ideally wait to begin the assessment process until any fertility tests or treatments they choose to pursue have been completed.

If those treatments are unsuccessful, it is important to allow time to come to terms with the experience before moving forward. Fertility treatment can be emotionally challenging, and taking time to reflect and recover is essential in deciding whether adoption is the right path for you and your family. We will discuss an appropriate timescale with you, based on your individual circumstances.

A Voluntary Adoption Agency is an independent, often charitable organisation that provides adoption services, including assessing and supporting prospective adopters and placing children for adoption.

A Regional Adoption Agency, on the other hand, is a partnership between multiple local authorities that have joined together to deliver adoption services more efficiently and consistently across a wider geographic area.

Regional adoption agencies coordinate resources and expertise to improve the matching and support process for children and adopters within their region.

In summary, Voluntary Adoption Agencies are independent organisations, while regional adoption agencies are collaborative arrangements between local authorities designed to streamline and enhance adoption services within a specific region.

Not necessarily. We understand that every family is unique, and all applicants will be asked to demonstrate that their lifestyle and family environment are stable and supportive enough to provide a nurturing home.

Each application is considered individually, and we carefully review situations where significant changes to your circumstances are anticipated or where the family household is currently unsettled. Our goal is to work with you to ensure the best possible environment for a child’s wellbeing and development.

Not necessarily. Adoption agencies understand that many families rely on both parents working to ensure financial stability. However, due to the backgrounds and experiences of children typically placed for adoption, consistent care is crucial to help children form secure attachments and overcome challenges.

Therefore, prospective adopters who require substitute childcare must be able to identify a stable and consistent childcare arrangement suitable for the child’s age. Additionally, they must be able to demonstrate the suitability of this arrangement to the placing authority.