Adoption laws in the UK
Adoption is the assumption of full legal and parental responsibility for a child. It is a commitment for life. Adoption is supported by an Adoption Order, granted through the Court. It is one of the most life-transforming experiences that can happen to a child and their adoptive parents.
Children need an adoptive family when it has been decided that they are unable to remain with their birth families and that adoption is in their best interests.
An adoption order severs all legal ties with birth family
An adoption order severs all legal ties with the birth family and transfers parental rights to the new adoptive family. The child becomes a full member of the adoptive family, takes their surname and assumes the same rights and privileges as if they had been born to that family, including the right of inheritance.
Many children maintain contact with some members of their birth family. This may be letterbox contact with a birth parent, visits to a brother or sister who lives elsewhere or some direct contact with other members of the birth family.
In every decision made about whether contact should continue, the child’s safety and wellbeing are of paramount importance. Contact, and your views about it, will be a part of the discussion during the assessment and preparation process. Keeping links with birth family members can be very beneficial for some children and we ask you to be open minded about contact and to look at the individual child’s needs.
Caring for a child where there is legal delay or uncertainty
A child cannot be placed with a prospective adoptive family until the court has granted a Placement Order or the birth parent has consented. Sometimes a child may first need to be placed with a family on a fostering basis while plans for his or her future are being made. This would mean being approved as a foster carer as well as an adopter.
If you think you could look after a child in these circumstances, please contact us for more information.
Other ways of achieving permanence for children
Adoption is not the right option for all children. Some children who cannot live with their birth families need a secure, loving home throughout childhood and beyond without the legal link to their birth family being severed.
In these cases, the plan may be permanent fostering or Special Guardianship. If you feel you can offer a permanent home to a child without necessarily adopting we would be happy to discuss this with you further.