Adoption is the legal process by which a child or siblings who cannot be brought up within their birth family, become permanent and legal members of their new family.
When you adopt a child, you become their legal parent(s) with the same rights and responsibilities as if they were born to you.
Why do people adopt?
People adopt for many reasons. For some people adoption is a way to start their family and for others a way to complete or add to their family.
Some people consider adoption due to their concerns around population growth and many due to an experience of adoption in their own lives.
Who can adopt?
There are many myths around the adoption process, so let’s set them straight:
- You need to be over the age of 21
- You need to legally reside in the UK and have been so for the past 12 months
- There need to be no convictions or cautions for offences against children or for any serious sexual offences for everyone in the household
- Leicestershire welcome applications from members of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2023, 1 in 5 adoptions were to same-gender couples
There are of course, other factors, but these are the basic criterion. Most importantly, you need to be committed to adopting a child or children, and be prepared to learn and understand more about what this involves.
What is the adoption process?
We're passionate about preparing our adopters in every way and this starts with the adoption application process.
At Family Adoption Links Leicestershire, we have a specific team who are here to talk to you about adoption and answer any questions you may have. We understand it is a big decision to make and it’s important to get the timing right. So, if you have any questions, or are thinking of adoption now, or in the future, just have a chat with us and we’ll do our best to help.
Before you start the process, we advise you to come along to one of our adoption events which are held virtually and in-person. You'll have the opportunity to hear from some of our adopters, which is always a valuable insight, as well as hearing about the process and the children we're looking to place for adoption at that time.
Book onto one of our adoption events
The adoption assessment process is made up of two stages:
- First stage - all the checks and references are carried out
- Second stage - an assessing social worker will work with you to fully explore if adoption is right for you
On average, it takes around 6 – 8 months to move through the process.
Featuring a comprehensive training programme, your own personal social worker, and a defined time frame, you will be gently guided through a series of assessments to ensure that you understand and can respond to any adoption issues.
The process is very interactive and you'll be fully involved at every stage. We'll discuss all of the necessary checks that we plan to undertake and are always on hand to discuss any worries/questions you may have.
Find out more about the adoption process
How much does it cost to adopt?
It doesn't cost you anything to adopt, other than that you will be expected to pay for your adoption medical, which is carried out by your GP - the average cost is between £80 to £120 per person. This fee is set by your GP.
Will I get any financial support?
In most circumstances, adopters don't receive regular financial support, however, once adopted, you would receive Child benefit for a child.
In England, adopters can apply to the Adoption Support Fund (ASF) to pay for therapeutic support for their children.
Adopted children will also be eligible for a Pupil Premium at school, as well as priority placing at your chosen school.
What support is on offer after adoption
Adoption support needs to be life-long and, at Family Adoption Links Leicestershire, we offer support to our adopters for as long as it’s needed.
Our team includes therapists, social workers, and support staff, all of whom will be there for you and your adopted child, whatever life may bring. We offer a variety of free training for our adopters to ensure you are as well-equipped as possible for your adoption journey.
Adopters can:
- call or email our post-adoption helpline for support and advice
- use their 12-month subscription to CATCH - a community and support hub for adopters
- sign up to a free online or in-person training
- join a monthly Stay & Play group, giving you the opportunity to meet other adopters and children, as well as guest speakers
- join our popular Walk & Talk events - a great opportunity to grab a buggy, a scooter, or have a stroll, whilst meeting other adopters and families
- get involved in our Consultation hub too, where you can help to make a difference to the future of adoption, and the support and information available to people thinking about adoption.
- get their child to join a group to meet up with other adopted children for activities and support
There is so much support and we’re constantly adding new ways to help.