The Adoption Process - First4Adoption

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The adoption process

In this section

• Pre-stage one: Exploration
• Stage two: Training & assessment
• Stage four: Moving in

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The adoption process

From the moment you first consider adopting you have begun the adoption process and you are on a journey to discover if it is right for you and what kind of parent you might be.

That journey is made together with the social workers and staff at an adoption agency, whose job it is to make sure that prospective adopters are the best possible parents for the children in need of a home.

Like all journeys, the adoption process has its hills to climb and bumps in the road, but most prospective adopters find the journey helps them know themselves and become better parents.

Whether you are just starting out or are ready to make a formal application, this is what you can expect up ahead:

Pre-stage one

Exploration

All journeys begin with finding out about the road ahead; your adoption journey starts with reading background information, and speaking to experts and people who’ve made the journey before. 

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Stage one

Initial checks & registration

When you have found an agency you are comfortable with, it’s time to start the formal evaluation process, which includes things like references and background checks. This stage will take no longer than two months.

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Stage two

Training & assessment

This is a four-month stage, where a social worker will work with you and your family, assessing your strengths before presenting it in a report to the Adoption Panel.

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Stage three

Matching with the right child

Your adoption agency works with local authorities to find the right child for you. They will discuss the suitability of children with you and a matching panel makes the final decision.

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Stage four

Moving in

Once a match has been made, you spend time getting to know the child with the support of your social workers. A series of visits and short stays lead up to the child moving in. After a while, you can apply to the court to become their legal parent.

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