Get ready to adopt
Start now and you could be an adoptive parent this year
If you’ve been considering adoption and would like some help to get you started on this incredible journey, here are some top tips to help you.
Don't worry, we're here to help. We'll support you in any way we can with some of the things you may need to organise now and in the coming weeks.
Questions
We love lots of questions!
Being inquisitive and curious is a good thing. We receive lots of questions from people from all different backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles.
Our friendly team is here to provide you with answers on how you can adopt and what life could be like as a parent. You might want to find out what financial support could be available, how we match children with families, as well as questions on becoming a family. We really value conversations with anyone interested in adoption, because we appreciate you want to find out as much as you can.
Our team welcomes your interest in adoption and will support you with anything you might need to organise. You can contact us as well as attend one of our Online Adoption Information Events or meet with us in person.
Suggestions
- Bundle up your questions and ask us anything you like
- Join one of our Online Adoption Information Events
Documents and ID
It’s all about you!
In Stage 1 of the adoption process, we will need to see up-to-date information for anyone applying to adopt and anyone over 18 years old who lives with you:
- Photographic ID (Passport or Driving Licence)
- Proof of address (utility bill or Council Tax bill)
- Birth certificate(s)
We will also need to see a Marriage/Civil Certificate/Deed Poll/Decree Absolute (a change of name and/or legal union).
Suggestion
- Make sure your documents are up to date and available to share with us
You can continue your adoption journey if you are waiting for documents to come through. Call us to find out more about what else you can arrange or do on your adoption journey.
Vaping/smoking
If you smoke or vape and are thinking of giving up, or you’ve already stopped recently, you will need to be free from smoking or vaping for at least eight months before you start Stage 1 of the adoption process. This will be necessary if you want to adopt a child under five years or any child with health needs.
Your adoption journey is no different to anyone else’s at the beginning. So, you can still carry on things like having an Enquiry Discussion and organising your childcare experience.
Suggestion
- Speak to us about where you are with smoking or vaping, and we can tell you more about what you can be doing in the meantime
Pets
Pets can be wonderful companions for children and can have a calming effect on the home. If you have any pets, they will be part of your adoption assessment.
If you are thinking about getting a dog, consider the breed, temperament and the time in which it takes them to settle in.
Suggestion
- Look into dog breeds that are child-friendly
Life events
There’s lots to organise, learn and think about when you start your adoption journey. As you learn more about adopting a child, you will also need time to reflect on your experiences and the conversations you have had with us.
We understand you might also have things going on, such as moving house, a child going to a new school, or changing your job, and that’s OK. It’s a big step, so we want you to know we are here to fully support you.
Suggestion
- Share with us any changes or life events coming up, and we can organise with you how to continue with your adoption journey
Experience with children who are unfamiliar to you
At the very start of your adoption journey, you might need to gain experience in a child care setting. Spending time with children unfamiliar to you will help you gain insights into building trust and gaining their confidence, as well as managing your own emotions in situations when children can be unpredictable! Although it might not seem like it now, these experiences will be invaluable; in just six months you could be going home with a child or siblings who will need to depend on you.
Everyone’s life and work commitments are different, and we understand it might feel daunting to arrange. We can explain how much time you will need to organise in a child-based setting and if you need our help, we can find a nursery, after-school program, or weekend club that suits your needs. This arrangement can run alongside your adoption assessment and training.
Suggestion
- Call us to find out whether you and/or your partner who you live with, need to organise childcare experience, and we can find something that will work for you
You can also find answers to some of the most common questions we are asked.
Are you ready to adopt? You could change a child’s life this year
Our team are here to help and support you along your adoption journey. Chat to us or arrange a call back at a time that suits you.