Adoption
Adopting a child is one of the most important steps, you as a prospective parent, may ever take. It is vital you know your rights and responsibilities when adopting a child
If you are considering building your family through adoption, you should first approach a local authority or an approved adoption agency to be assessed and approved as an adopter and be matched with a suitable child. The agency will provide you with information and might ask you to attend an information session. If you decide that you are happy to work with them, you can formally apply to be assessed.
Step 1: Your UK home study assessment
You will be allocated a social worker who will assess you in accordance with the regulations. This process typically takes 8-10 months and involves home visits, preparation groups, personal references and background and medical checks.
Step 2: Panel approval
Your social worker will prepare a Prospective Adopters' Report, and this will be presented to your UK agency's adoption panel. The panel is a group of experts, with appropriate intercountry adoption experience. The panel makes a recommendation as to whether you should be approved (and if so for which country), and your agency then makes a final decision. If you are turned down, there are several different options that you can consider, including the Independent Review Mechanism, if you feel that you have been unfairly treated.
Step 3: Certificate of Eligibility to Adopt
If you are approved as a prospective adopter, your application will be passed to the Department for Education. They will charge a fee for reviewing your papers, which varies according to your income. The Department for Education will review your papers and, if satisfied, issue you with a Certificate of Eligibility to adopt. This will also be passed to the relevant Central Authority in the country you intend to adopt from.
Once a child has been placed with you, we can help you apply to court for an adoption order. Once an adoption order is made, the adoptive parents become the child's full, legal parents, and the birth parents lose all legal status in relation to the child.
Why choose Westridge Legal?
Our team of family lawyers are aware of the sensitivity and complexity involved in adoption matters. We understand that every individual requires different care and are here to support you.
Our highly experienced lawyers will guide and support you every step of the way to ensure that the best outcome is achieved with minimal disruption to your life.
If you wish to speak about your options directly with our specialist staff, please contact us on 0121 724 0302 to book a consultation today.
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