Adoption

Adoption is a lengthy and complicated process. To proceed with adoption a couple will not be accepted unless they have completed treatment and are no longer pursuing fertility treatment. The first contact should be with the local social services department requesting information on adoption in the local area. There may be slight variations depending on different regions in terms of the age of the adopting couple in relation to the child’s age. For example a couple over the age of 45 may not be able to adopt a child between the ages of 0-5 because of the number of generations between the child and the adoptive parent.

Other considerations are that only a small proportion of children available for adoption are babies. In the cases where babies are available for adoption preference will be given to married couples who are both in good health. In addition couples who have been together for a long period of time and have lived in the local area for a lengthy period may also be selected to adopt a baby.

There are various procedures in place to protect both the child and the couple. A detailed home study assessment will take place. This will involve some family members as well as the couple’s GP. The police will also be requested for information relating to criminal convictions. Once the case study and all relevant documentation have been completed the process of matching a child to a couple begins. It is important that the adopting couple seek legal advice and guidance before adopting.

Getting to know a child is an important process. This occurs over a period of time starting with visiting the child, to week end visits and ultimately placing the child with the couple.

Once a child has been placed with a couple they can proceed to notify the courts of adoption order. This will only be heard by the courts once the child has been living with the couple for a period of three months. If a new born baby is being adopted the child has to be six weeks old before the three month period commences.

The adoption of a child means that the couple become the child’s legal parents. The biological parents have no legal responsibility or right over the child. In some cases the biological parents are allowed to post cards or presents to the child but only through the social worker. In such circumstances the biological parents would not be provided with details about the adopting couple.

Overseas Adoption

This can also be a lengthy process but it is more likely that a couple will be able to adopt a baby. In addition to the time involved, which is similar to that of adoption in the U.K, it can also be a costly process. It is advisable to approach the Home Office to ensure that procedures are clearly followed. As with adoption in the U.K a home study will be performed for which the couple may have to pay. There also may be other fees incurred to the country of origin. A visa will be provided for the child to enter the country and then legal adoption of the child will take place through the U.K courts. The child must be living with the couple for a year before the adoption order will be granted by the U.K courts.