Useful resources
Where to find out more about adoption and fostering - including info pack, books, organisations, websites, support groups and helplines.
Finding an agency
BAAF publications
Be My Parent information pack
Organisations and useful links
Finding an agency
Lists of adoption and fostering agencies which you can contact directly for more information.
Scotland agency list (91 KB) Wales agency list (70 KB) Northern Ireland agency list (52 KB) Northern England agency list (171 KB) Central England agency list (83 KB) Southern England agency list (307 KB)
You might also like to use the BAAF interactive agency map.
BAAF publications
BAAF publishes a range of books on adoption and fostering, including:
The Adopter’s Handbook A 'must have' guide to the adoption process.
Adopting a child BAAF’s best-selling beginner’s guide to adoption.
Fostering a child A guide for people interested in fostering.
An Adoption Diary True story of the adoption of a two-year old child.
Could you be my parent? An inspiring collection of personal accounts.
For children, BAAF publishes a range of books that deal with issues relating to adoption and fostering in a child-friendly way such as the Nutmeg series and books about life story work. Find out more and order BAAF publications
Be My Parent information pack
The Be My Parent info pack contains several leaflets which provide basic information on adoption and fostering such as 'Could you adopt or foster?' and 'The 10 steps to adoption', and a list of UK adoption and fostering agencies and other useful organisations. Download the info pack
If you would like to receive an info pack in the post please contact us. If you would like an information pack including a copy of the Be My Parent newspaper (cost £6), you will first need to register with us, by going to Register here in the green login box. Once registered, you can purchase a pack using the left-hand menu.
Organisations and useful links
Adoption and fostering support
British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF)
Adoption register for England and Wales and 0870 750 2173. Matching approved families and waiting children.
Adoption Information Line General information about adoption.
Adoption Net Central resource for people considering adopting or fostering.
Adoption Support and 0121 666 6014 (Mon–Thurs).
Adoption UK Supporting adoptive families before, after and during adoption.
After Adoption Support for adopted people and adoptive and birth families.
Fostering Information Line General information about fostering.
Fostering Network and Fosterline 0800 0407675 (M-F, 9am-5pm).
Foster Talk Professional support and advice for foster carers.
International Foster Care Organisation International foster care network.
ParentsCentre (DfES) Government resource with information for parents.
Post-Adoption Centre Support to birth relatives, adopted children, adoptive parents and professionals. Helpline: 0870 777 2197 (M-W&F 10am–1pm)
Direct Gov: What is adoption? Government guide to adoption.
Hands On Scotland Toolkit for supporting children's emotional wellbeing.
Legal and financial matters
Every Child Matters (Adoption) Government resource about adoption.
Every Child Matters (Fostering) Government resource about fostering.
Adoption leave (BERR) Your guide to adoption leave and pay.
Family Rights Group Independent advice for families involved with social services.
HM Courts Service Legal guide to adoption.
CAFCASS Children and Family Court Advisory & Support Service.
Information for adopted or fostered children and young people
Carelaw A guide for young people in care.
CAFCASS Children and Family Court Advisory & Support Service.
After Adoption Support for adopted people, adoptive families and birth relatives. Talk Adoption line 0808 808 1234
Who Cares? Trust National charity for children in care.
Intercountry adoption
Intercountry Adoption (DCSF) Government guide to adopting from abroad.
Intercountry Adoption Centre UK based organisation that provides information and advice to families and professionals.
Overseas Adoption Support and Information Service Membership-based service.
Health, disability and special needs
Contact a Family Information and support for health conditions and disabilities.
Department of Health Health and social care policy and guidance.
NHS Direct Information on health conditions.
Parents for Children A charity that specialises in finding families for children with exceptional needs.
Information for adopted or fostered adults and birth relatives
Adopted Children Register A record of all adoptions granted by courts in England and Wales since 1927.
Adoption Search and Reunion The first port of call for anyone thinking about searching for or making contact with birth and adopted relatives.
After Adoption Support for adopted people, adoptive families and birth relatives.
NORCAP For adults affected by adoption.
Natural Parents Network and 0845 456 5031 M-F 9.30-11.30
Birthlink Adoption Contact Register for Scotland (for adopted adults only)
General Register Office Scotland
General Register Office Northern Ireland
Last updated: 19 August 08
