Frequently asked questions

Q. What is the difference between adoption and fostering?

A. When adopting, parents will become the full legal parents of any adopted child. They will have all the rights and responsibilities for that child, and that child will in itself assume all rights in relation to the adoptive parents including those of inheritance.

Children who are fostered remain the legal responsibility of either the local authority or the child's birth parents. Foster carers will not be able to make major decisions for that child without permission, though they will have responsibility for the day to day care of a child fostered to them.

Q. Will I receive financial support?

A. Foster carers will receive a regular allowance for each child they care for. Adoptive parents may be eligible for discretionary adoption allowances depending on the needs of each particular child and the adopter's income

Q. Who can adopt and foster?

A. The main criterion is that you are over 21 years of age. We welcome enquiries from couples with or without children, single people or couples who are not married. The best thing is to discuss your circumstances with one of the project staff.