Applications to bring a child to the UK for adoption are governed by the entry clearance process operated by the Home Office with advice from the Department of Health. The aim is always to ensure that similar safeguards and standards apply to a child whom it is proposed to adopt from abroad as apply in UK domestic adoption. It is essential that prospective adopters are considered to be suitable to adopt and equal to the responsibilities they plan to take on. This is especially so where a child may have experienced severe early disadvantage and be in particular need of care and security.
What should I do if I wish to adopt from overseas?
Anyone considering adopting from abroad should discuss their plans with their local authority social services department. Local authorities have a responsibility to provide advice and counselling in connection with adoption and are asked to undertake home study reports on those considering adopting from another country in order to assess their suitability as a prospective adopter.
How long does a home study report take?
Local authority social services departments are asked to take no longer than four months when a couple have actually identified a child, and no longer than six months where there are no identified children.
How much does it cost?
Local authorities may engage extra staff to prepare assessments on those who are considering adoption from abroad; authorities may make a charge for this work, which is additional to their statutory duties and responsibilities. The level of charges to cover the cost of the work is for local authorities to determine.
Can I arrange for a private home study to be carried out?
A recent judgement in the Family Division of the High Court has given the Department reason to believe that privately commissioned home study reports are unlawful, being in breach of section 11 (as extended by section 72(3)1 of the Adoption Act 1976 - restrictions on making arrangements for adoption - and payments for them are in breach of section 57. Many countries do not accept home study reports that have not been carried out by an approved agency in the country of the applicant.
How do I find out about the procedures in other countries?
Advice and information about adoption requirements and procedures elsewhere, can be obtained by contacting the British-based Embassy/Consulate of the country concerned. In all cases, prospective adopters should seek to adopt only through approved adoption agencies or recognised charitable organisations abroad and not through intermediaries who are not properly authorised, or agencies in a third country.
I would like to adopt but I think I'm too old
Adoption law does not specify upper age limits for adopters. That is not to say that age is irrelevant in any case. It is one important factor among many to be considered. We advise that while arbitrary rules should not be applied, both partners should be sufficiently fit to have a reasonable expectation of retaining health and vigour to meet the demands of a child during the difficult years of adolescence and on to adulthood.
I am single. Can I adopt?
According to UK laws a single person may adopt, but only married couples can adopt jointly. However, many countries do not allow chiloren to be adopted by single people.
Should I identify a child before I go to my local authority or after?
It is strongly advised that you complete your home study report before you identify a child, as this could take several months. If you have identified a child first, you may find yourself in a situation where you may have to return to the United Kingdom and leave the child for several months while the home study report is carried out. (It is also possible that you may not be recommended as suitable to adopt).
I have identified a child what should I do?
After you have identified a child you need to make an entry clearance application at the British Embassy! Consulate! High Commission nearest to where the child is living.
How many children can I adopt from abroad?
It is the decision of your local authority social services department to decide how many children they think would be suitable for you to adopt at any given time. However you should note that if you adopt more than one child at the same time, those children should be siblings.
What papers do I need to make an entry clearance application?
Apart from the papers required by the Home Office’s Immigration and Nationality Department, the Department of Health need to see as much information on the child as possible. The Department of Health cannot recommend entry clearance to the Home Office without seeing the following documents:
1 The child's birth certificate.
2 A medical report on the child and completed BAAF CA ( British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering Intercounty Adoption) medical form, which will be
| My application to adopt |
Factors that may have an adverse affect upon your application |
| Non-Agency Adoption | where one parent and a new partner are considering adopting a child of a former relationship |
| The Adoption Contact Register | A register that assists those who were adopted or members of their birth families to make contact with one another |
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