How many children in the UK are waiting for a new family?

400

4,000

40

Which children wait longest for new families?

Groups of siblings and older children

Children from black and minority ethnic backgrounds

Children with disabilities, special needs or uncertain development

Which types of families are urgently needed to adopt and foster?

Black and ethnic minority families and families of mixed-ethnicity

Families able to consider children older than five years old

Families who have experience of disability

To be a good adoptive or foster parent you need:

To own a large house with a big garden

To be patient and committed

To have been married for at least five years

From which age group are most children adopted in England?

Under 1 year old

Between 1 and 4 years old

Between 6 and 7 years old

How long does the adoption approval process take?

There is no average length

It should not take more than eight months

It always takes at least two years

Is adopting from abroad easier than adopting in the UK?

Yes, it is much easier and there is less red tape

No, you still have to go through the same assessment process

It can be very difficult depending on the country

It’s important for adopted children to have:

No contact with their birth family

Regular contact with their birth family

Contact plans decided in their best interests

How many enquiries are made about children in the Be My Parent newspaper?

1,200 enquiries a month

120 enquiries a month

12 enquiries a month

If you are seriously interested in adoption or fostering, you could:

Read about others' experiences in the Be My Parent features

Contact an agency

Subscribe to Be My Parent