How long will it take and what are the costs involved?
The adoption or fostering process - how long it takes, and the costs involved
Adoption
The recommended length of time from your formal application to be assessed, to your adoption panel meeting is approximately eight months according to guidance for England under the Adoption and Children Act 2002. For Scotland the recommended time scale is seven months. However, in some cases it can take longer, but your agency should keep you informed during every stage of the process. Don’t be afraid to contact your agency if you have any questions or concerns.
There is no charge for being assessed by a UK adoption agency, unless you are being assessed to adopt a child from abroad, when you will usually have to pay all related costs yourself.
When an adoption application is made to court, there is a one-off court fee. This is currently £140 in England and Wales, £50 in Scotland and £79 in Northern Ireland. The local authority currently looking after the child may cover some, or all, of any additional legal fees or court costs.
Permanent fostering
The length of time from your formal application to be assessed to your fostering panel meeting is approximately six months. In some cases it can take longer, but your agency should keep you informed during every stage of the process. Don’t be afraid to contact your agency if you have any questions or concerns.
There is no charge for being assessed by a UK fostering agency.
To find out more about the recommended standards that agencies work to, see Legal and financial matters: Adoption and Legal and financial matters: Fostering.
The experiences of others
Many prospective adopters and foster carers say that they find it helpful to read about the experiences of others. Be My Parent publish real-life stories of adoption and fostering. Why not take a look?
Last updated: 09 November 07
