What happens when my child reaches 18?
Adoption and fostering information on what happens when your child reaches adulthood
Adoption
When your child reaches 18 (16 in Scotland), and legally becomes an adult, they can apply for a copy of their original birth certificate, which will show their birth mother’s full name and their birth father’s name, if given. From this age, adopted people can also apply to access their adoption records from the agency that placed them for adoption and trace birth relatives they wish to contact.
The Adoption Search and Reunion website offers comprehensive information for adopted people, their adoptive parents and birth relatives about adoption records, searching or making contact with birth relatives.
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.
Why not take a look at our guidance to legal and financial matters in adoption?
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’. In some cases, support continue up to the age 24.
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.
Why not take a look at our guidance to legal and financial matters in fostering?
Some useful BAAF publications on children leaving care:
Getting Sorted by Rebecca Davidson
Getting More Sorted by Rebecca Davidson
Last updated: 05 October 10
