FAQs

General questions

What's the difference between adoption and fostering?

With adoption, legal ties to the birth parents are cut and all parental rights and responsibilities pass to the adoptive parents. The child becomes a full member of the family and has the same rights as any natural child would enjoy.

With fostering, parental responsibility usually stays with the birth parents, unless a court order is made so it's shared with the local authority. In many cases, children are fostered only for a short time, before they return to their family or are adopted.

What are the different types of fostering?

There are many types of fostering, which may suit your individual experience, skills and personal circumstances. These include emergency, short term, long term, short break and kinship fostering. Directgov has detailed information.

Can I adopt from abroad?

The Government allows intercountry adoption if it can be shown the child would not be cared for in their own country and it's in their best interests. Applicants must complete the same assessment and approval process as people trying to a child within the UK.

If you're interested, you should contact a UK agency that deals with intercountry adoptions.

If I foster, will I have to give up my job?

In most cases, agencies prefer to place children in families where one adult is home enough of the time to meet their needs. What's required will depend on the child's age and whether they've started school. Different types of fostering also place different demands on time and commitment.

Are all children in care badly behaved?

Children who need to be fostered or adopted have often had a difficult start in life and may have little reason to trust adults. They may show their distrust and distress in many ways, including 'naughty' behaviour, nightmares, or being quiet and withdrawn.

As part of the adoption/fostering process, you'll be taught strategies for dealing with any challenging behaviour.

Is it difficult to adopt a baby?

Many people who enquire about adoption are unable to have their own children and wish to adopt a baby or very young child. Very few babies come up for adoption. However, there are many toddlers and young children - often with a brother or sister - who are looking for new families.

Can I adopt/foster a child close to the age of my own child?

It may seem a good idea to take on a child who's close in age to another child in your household, but agencies have found this often doesn't work. In many cases, it's simply too much for either child to cope with because they need to feel secure with their position in the family and have their own space.

If they don't get this, it can lead to jealousy, arguments and competition for attention. In some cases, this can result in failure of the placement and the child has to be moved on.

How much contact does the birth family have after a child is adopted?

Each case is unique, but it's common for there to be written contact once or twice a year, through the adoption agency. Some children may also have direct contact with members of their birth family, such as grandparents and siblings

How much contact does the birth family have after a child is fostered?

Each case is unique, but most children in foster care continue to see their families.

The level of contact is usually higher - perhaps several times a week - when children are in short-term foster care and efforts are continuing to get them back into the care of parents of relatives.

For children in long-term foster care, contact may be weekly, monthly or less often. It depends on what's right for the child.

Contact can only be suspended or ended if there's a good reason, if seeing their parents is distressing for the child and no longer in their best interests, for example.

What is parental responsibility?

Parental responsibility means having the right to make decisions about a child's life in areas such as education and medical treatment. It also means you have a duty to care and protect the child.

According to law, a mother always has parental responsibility. However, a father only does if he's married to the mother or has acquired legal responsibility.

In the case of adoption, parental responsibility passes to the adopters.

In the case of fostering, parental responsibility usually remains with the birth parents, unless a court order is made so it's shared with the local authority.

Adoption/fostering agencies

How can I find my local adoption/fostering agency?

The British Association for Adoption and Fostering can provide details of your nearest adoption agency, while the Fostering Network has a list of agencies that deal with fostering.

With fostering, parental responsibility usually stays with the birth parents, unless a court order is made so it's shared with the local authority. In many cases, children are fostered only for a short time, before they return to their family or are adopted.

What's the difference between local authority and independent adoption/fostering agencies?

All children who are waiting to be adopted or fostered are in the care of their local authority. You can apply through the local authority or through a voluntary, or independent, agency.

Both types of agency will train and assess you. If you're approved, a local authority will look to match you with a child in their care. A voluntary agency will also work with your local authority to find a suitable match, but may also contact other authorities. In fostering, independent fostering services are contracted by the local authority to provide suitable carers.

Once a child has been placed with you, both types of agency will continue to provide support. However, services between each agency differ slightly, so it's worth contacting a few before you apply to find out what they offer.

Do I have to adopt a child from my local area?

Agencies prefer to place children within their local area. It's easier for the agency to support you and the child if you're not too far away. Some older children are reluctant to move far and may want to stay at the same school. Regional accents, customs and culture may also be an important part of the child's identity.

However, if you're offering a much-needed service, such as providing a home to a large sibling group or an older child with disabilities, agencies from further away may be interested.

How do I make a complaint about an adoption/fostering agency?

All agencies and local authorities are required by law to have a complaints procedure, details of which they must provide on request.

If you're still not satisfied, independent fostering agencies, voluntary adoption agencies and adoption support agencies are regulated by Ofsted, which can deal with any complaints. Call 0845 640 4040 or go to www.ofsted.gov.uk.

Complaints about local authority fostering and adoption services should be made to the local authority in question, using its own complaints procedure.

Are foster carers paid?

All foster carers receive an allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child in their home. Some agencies also pay their carers a fee.

Carers don't have to pay tax on any income from fostering, up to a limit of £10,000 a year plus allowances.

Birth families

Can I trace my adopted children?

Once your child is 18, you can contact an intermediary service (usually an adoption agency or adoption support agency) and request information about them. This won't contain any details that could lead you to identify the person or where they live. The intermediary service can also use this information to contact them on your behalf and establish whether they want contact.

Adults Affected by Adoption - NORCAP is a national charity that can put you in touch with local services that can help. Call 01865 875000 or go to www.norcap.org.uk.

You can also add your details to the Government's Adoption Contact Register.

My grandchild is about to be adopted. What are my rights?

Once your child is 18, you can contact an intermediary service (usually an adoption agency or adoption support agency) and request information about them. This won't contain any details that could lead you to identify the person or where they live. The intermediary service can also use this information to contact them on your behalf and establish whether they want contact.

Under the Adoption and Child Act 2002, the welfare of the child comes before the wishes of the adults involved. Directgov has a guide to your rights and where to turn for advice.

My child was adopted. Will they be able to trace me in the future?

Once the child is 18, they have the right to apply for their original birth records. They can also ask an intermediary service to trace a birth relative and find out if contact is wanted. You have the right to no contact if you wish.

For more information, contact Adults Affected by Adoption - NORCAP on 01865 875000 or go to www.norcap.org.uk.

Application process

Why are criminal and medical checks necessary?

The medical check-up is to make sure you're in good health and can care for a child now and as they grow up.

A Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check is carried out to prevent children being placed with unsuitable carers. Most minor offences won't present a problem, but if you've been convicted of an offence against children your application will be rejected.