How Do I Register with a Regional Adoption Agency?

If you're considering adoption in the North East of England, Adoption Tees Valley is your dedicated Regional Adoption Agency. Serving the Tees Valley area—including Stockton, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Hartlepool, and Redcar & Cleveland—Adoption Tees Valley offers expert adoption services and lifelong support to help you build your family.

What Is Adoption Tees Valley?

Adoption Tees Valley is a government-funded Regional Adoption Agency formed by the collaboration of five local authorities. Our mission is to find loving, permanent homes for children who can no longer live with their birth families. As a specialist agency, we focus solely on adoption and provide a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment for prospective adopters.

The Adoption Process with Adoption Tees Valley

1. Initial Enquiry

Your journey begins with a simple phone call or online enquiry. Our team will chat with you about the adoption process, answer your questions, and send you an information pack. You’ll also be offered a home visit to discuss your interest further.

2. Stage One: Registration and Checks

Once you register your interest, you’ll be assigned a social worker who will guide you through background checks, references, and a medical assessment. This stage typically takes around two months.

3. Preparation Training

You’ll attend group training sessions with other prospective adopters. These sessions cover child development, trauma, attachment, and real-life experiences from adoptive families and birth parents.

4. Stage Two: Assessment

You’ll work closely with your social worker to complete a detailed assessment. This stage lasts up to four months and includes further training and preparation for adoptive parenting.

5. Approval and Matching

Your assessment is reviewed by our Adoption Panel, and if approved, the family finding process begins. Adoption Tees Valley prioritises matching children from the Tees Valley region with our own approved adopters.

For a more detailed explanation of the adoption process, click here.

Why Choose Adoption Tees Valley?

• Local expertise from five local authorities under one roof
• Direct matching with children from the Tees Valley
• Outstanding support including therapeutic services, adopter groups, and family events
• Inclusive approach welcoming adopters from all backgrounds
• Free adoption services with no hidden costs

Voluntary Adoption Agencies: Another Option

While Adoption Tees Valley is your local RAA, you may also consider voluntary adoption agencies. These not-for-profit organisations offer similar services and work in partnership with local authorities. However, choosing a local agency like Adoption Tees Valley often means quicker matching and more tailored support.

One of the key benefits of adopting through a Regional Adoption Agency is that they have direct responsibility for children in their care, which means they can prioritise matching those children with their own approved adopters first. In contrast, Voluntary Adoption Agencies do not hold direct responsibility for children, so their adopters are typically considered for children only after RAAs have explored matches within their own cohort.

Registering with a Regional Adoption Agency like Adoption Tees Valley is the first step toward transforming a child’s life—and your own. With a compassionate team, structured adoption process, and lifelong adoption services, you’ll be supported every step of the way.

Ready to begin? Call 01642 526 400 to start your journey today.