Applying For Adoption - Ringrose Law

On this page:First steps when applying for adoption The Adoption Process How long does the adoption process take What happens once approved What if my application is not successful

First steps when applying for adoption

If you are considering applying for adoption, the first thing you need to do is contact your local adoption agency. They will provide you with all the details on the process and give you the forms and information that you need.

Any adoption application must be notified to Social Services who will carry out a full investigation for the Courts.

The Adoption Process

If you are applying for adoption, once you have completed your initial written application and it has been accepted the following will happen:

You will be invited to attend preparation classes to understand further how the process works
References will be required and interviews will take place with your key family and friends
You will be required to have a full medical examination
The adoption agency will arrange for a social worker to visit your home
The police will carry out police checks

Once you have successfully been through this process all papers and supporting evidence will go to an adoption panel that will make the decision.

We advise that you contact us at the early stages of your adoption process. We can help you provide evidence and information together and explain anything you are unsure of. Our team can also support you along the way to ensure the best outcome for you.

How long does the adoption process take?

If you are applying for adoption the process can take up to eight months from the initial application to acceptance of your adoption application.

What happens once approved?

If your application for adoption is successful it can take up to three months to find a suitable child. If after three months you are not successful, you will be referred to the Adoption Register for England and Wales.

What if my application is not successful?

If you do not get approved for adoption you can either:

Challenge the Adoption Agency’s decision and ask for further explanation or,
Apply to the Independent Review Mechanism to look into the agency’s decision making process