What happens when my child reaches 18?
What happens when my adopted or fostered child reaches 18?
Adoption
When your child reaches the age of 18 (16 in Scotland), they can apply for a copy of their original birth certificate which will show their birth mother’s full name and birth father’s name, if given. 
In recent years, more emphasis has been put on being open and honest with adopted children from an early age. For this reason, many adopted people now know some, or all, of their history, and may have had ongoing direct or indirect contact with birth relatives since being adopted.
Fostering
In most birth families, young people usually leave home as part of a gradual process and receive ongoing support from their families throughout their lives. This pattern is not the same for children leaving care, who may or may not have access to this level of support. Legal orders usually end when the young person reaches the age of 18.
In England and Wales, under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 the local authority has a duty to ensure young people between the ages of 16 and 21 receive ongoing support, and are well prepared for the end of ‘being fostered’.
Support for the young person will include the allocation of a personal adviser, who is responsible for assessing their needs in terms of advice, help and support. This can also include financial support to set up home, or equipment for work or study. As a foster carer you will play a significant role in preparing your foster child for independent living.
Similar laws are being introduced in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Have you read our features on adoption and fostering from a child's viewpoint?
Last updated: 19 December 07
