Everything you need to know as you embark on your adoption journey

Are you thinking about adopting? Here you'll find real stories, guidance, information and things to consider about the adoption process. We'll be with you every step of the way as you embark on your adoption journey.

Useful links

Couple on laptop on a prospective adopters community group call with Adoption UK

Join the Adoption UK Community

Why not join our friendly and supportive online group for prospective adopters where you can meet others going through the adoption assessment, network, gain support and share experiences?

Adoption terminology guide

If you're struggling to understand all the adoption related acronyms and language, you're not alone! Our adoption terminology guide is here to help!

Man on phone to adoption uk information and support line

Talk to someone at Adoption UK

We know the adoption process can be daunting, so if you need to talk to a human being, our Information and Support Line is here to offer support, guidance and advice.

0300 666 0006

Recommended listening, watching and reading

Listen

Join us for Family Matters, a podcast dedicated to exploring the many facets of adoption, care experience, and parenting. In each episode, we dive into personal stories, expert insights, and real-life challenges that shape the journey of being parented and parenting. With guidance from our team of psychologists, we tackle pressing issues around identity, family history, and more. We have a series of episodes on the adoption process which are essential listening if you are thinking about adopting.

Listen to more episodes about the adoption process and more here

Watch

Become a member for access to more webinars

You can find webinars which are free to watch here including the one below which is all about adopting an older child. You'll gain access to lots more webinars when you become a member.

Information and guidance

The adoption approval process

From choosing an agency to your child coming home, the same process applies to all nations of the UK, although there may be slight variations between the nations timing and terminology.

Choosing an adoption agency

If you’re interested in adopting a child, the first step is to find an adoption agency. But which one? This page sets out the options available and considerations as you embark on your adoption journey.

Matching

Matching can be unpredictable and frustrating as well as an exciting part of the adoption process. It may feel as though a lot of time is spent waiting for information and responses and there may be some disappointments when potential matches don’t work out.

Introductions

What’s involved when you and your child are first introduced to each other and the process of getting to know each other before your child moves in with you

Intercountry adoption

This page explains what’s involved if you want to adopt a child from another country. 

Overseas adopters wanting to adopt from the UK

This page explains what’s involved if you want to adopt a child if you live overseas.

Adopting with birth children

Families with birth children who go on to adopt are increasingly common. Before you take this step, there’s a lot to think about.

Adopting your step child

Adopting a stepchild means you become the legal parent of your partner’s child from a previous relationship, along with your partner.

Adopting as a single parent

Many children are adopted by single people every year. There are some extra things to think about, to help you prepare.

Becoming a concurrent carer

When you become a concurrent carer, it is uncertain whether you will support the child in your care to return to their birth family or whether you will become their adoptive parent.

Meeting professionals

During the adoption process and particularly after placement, there may be several meetings to attend. Here is a guide to get the most out of the meetings and get your points across clearly.

Supporting adoptive parents with a new placement

Ask friends and family to read this factsheet so that they understand and know how best to support you in the early days of your adoption journey.

Questions to ask foster carers and social workers

To help a child settle in, it's important to find out as much as possible about their routines and preferences. Here are some questions to consider asking foster carers and social workers.

Therapeutic parenting

Therapeutic parenting differs from ‘traditional’ parenting because it recognises that traumatised children see and experience the world around them differently from children who have not experienced early life trauma.

Post adoption support

Find out what support is available and how to access additional support.