Can I adopt from abroad?
Thinking about adopting a child from another country.
Can I adopt from abroad?
If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you will need to be approved for intercountry adoption by a UK adoption agency that is registered to carry out intercountry adoption assessments. You can apply to either your local council (health and social services trust in Northern Ireland) or to a voluntary adoption agency that is approved to assess intercountry adopters. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) will process your application and issue a certificate of eligibility if you are approved.
Note: It is against the law to bring a child who is not a resident of this country to the UK for adoption if you have not been approved by a UK adoption agency.
Contrary to popular belief, adopting from abroad is not necessarily a quicker or easier route to adoption. You will have to pay the relevant fees to the agency, which can be over £6,000, and possibly a fee to the authorities in the child’s country of origin. The process can take between 1-3 years.
For more information see:
Did you know?
There are currently over 4,000 children in the UK waiting for a new family, either through adoption or permanent (long-term) fostering.
If you think you could offer one of these children a permanent family why not find out more about adoption or fostering and contact an agency? You might also find our articles about adoption and fostering useful.
Last updated: 11 December 07
