How Long Can the Adoption Process Take?

How Long Can the Adoption Process Take?

One of the most common questions prospective adopters ask is, "How long can the adoption process take?" In this article, we’ll walk you through the adoption process and the timings around each stage within it.

What is Adoption and How Does it Work?

Adoption is a legal process where a child becomes a permanent member of a new family. This involves transferring parental rights and responsibilities from the child's birth parents to the adoptive parents. The adoption process includes several stages, from initial inquiry to the final adoption order.

Who Can Adopt a Child?

In the UK, anyone over the age of 21 can apply to adopt, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or whether they already have children. Prospective adopters must undergo a thorough assessment to ensure they can provide a safe and nurturing environment for a child.

What Happens if You Apply to Adopt?

The adoption process begins with an initial inquiry and application to an adoption agency. Once sure adoption is right for them and they have decided which agency to go with, prospective adopters complete an adoption application called a registration of interest. If the registration of interest is accepted, you will begin the adoption assessment process.

The Adoption Process

The duration of the adoption process can vary depending on several factors, including the type of adoption (early permanence or traditional), the adoption agency, and the specific circumstances of the prospective adoptive parents and the child.

Adoption Agency and Adoption Assessment Process

Stage 1: Once the application (registration of interest) is accepted, you will begin the adoption process and start stage 1. During this stage, we will follow up your references and checks, and you'll arrange an adoption medical with your GP. Stage one usually takes 2 months. During stage 1, you’ll be invited to attend our preparation training, which we run in groups throughout the year. You'll meet other people going through the adoption process and learn more about adoption, as well as child development and the best ways to support adopted children. You'll also meet people who have already adopted and a birth mum and hear about their experiences.

Stage 2: Stage two usually takes four months to complete. You’ll work with your social worker to complete your assessment. We provide further training to prepare you for parenting and suggest books and programmes you should look at. Your social worker will complete a report and work with you to decide which children you would be suited for.

Adoption Panel: Your assessment report and information about your reference checks are presented to the ATV Adoption Panel. This panel is a group of people experienced in adoption and knowledgeable about the children waiting. It also includes our medical advisor who looks at your medical report. You’ll attend the Adoption Panel with your social worker. The panel then makes a recommendation about approving you as suitable to adopt. The decision about your approval is then made by the Agency Decision Maker.

During the adoption process, prospective parents will work closely with an adoption social worker. This professional provides support and guidance throughout the journey, helping to address any challenges that may arise. Additionally, the adoption must comply with statutory adoption regulations.

How Much Does it Cost to Adopt a Child in the UK?

Adoption in England is free of charge and in some instances, particularly when placing siblings groups or children with additional needs, financial allowances are sometimes given.

Challenges of Adoption

The adoption journey can be challenging. Prospective adopters may face emotional and logistical hurdles, such as dealing with the uncertainty of waiting periods, navigating training, and managing the emotional impact of the process. However, you will be fully supported through the whole adoption journey by your adoption social worker, as well as having many opportunities to develop a support network with other adopters along the way.

Adoption Statistics

This year in the UK, around 39,053 children and young people will enter the care system. That is 107 children every day. Additionally, there are approximately 104,577 children in the UK who are looked after away from home. In 2024, the average time between a child entering care and being placed for adoption was 1 year and 7 months, the same as lthe pervious year.

Conclusion

While the journey can be lengthy and challenging, the reward of providing a loving home to a child makes it all worthwhile. Prospective parents should be prepared for a journey that requires patience, resilience, and a deep commitment to the well-being of the child.