Types of adoption

Every family’s journey is unique, and so is adoption.

There’s more than one way to give a child a loving home. From adopting through an agency to adopting a child you already know, this page explains the different types of adoption so you can find the path that’s right for you.

About 3,000 children in the UK need a safe, loving home. They may be babies, older children, or brothers and sisters who need to stay together. They all need a family who will care for them.

Anyone can think about adoption. You might be single, part of a couple, LGBTQ+, older, or someone who wants to help a child. We’re here to support you.

There’s no perfect time to start a family. For a child waiting, the best time is now. Adoption can be hard at times, but giving a child a stable, loving home can change their life.

Some children first stay with foster carers while a judge decides what’s safest. If adoption is the plan, our social workers help match you with a child and support you through every step.

When the child has settled and everyone is ready, you can go to court to make the adoption official.

Find out how to start your adoption journey with us.

Early Permanence (EP) is a child centred practice which initially matches approved adopters as foster carers for a child or children who have been removed from their family but the court is still deciding if birth family can meet their needs.

We can approve prospective adopters as both adopters and foster carers, helping children move into loving homes earlier. This approach, called early permanence, is chosen when adoption is the likely, but not yet certain, outcome of a child’s care. It can be used for children of all ages where there is a high likelihood of the child/ren needing a care plan for adoption. National adoption data shows most children go on to be adopted but a small proportion will return to the care of their family. The practice aims to limit the number of moves and feelings of uncertainty that many children in care experience.

Having multiple homes and different carers can be unsettling for many children and potentially cause them to develop attachment issues and trauma. Early permanence is considered to be in the best interest of children by providing them with stability and a sense of permanency as early as possible.

Find out more about early permanence (via adoptionengland.co.uk).

Non‑agency adoption is when you want to adopt a child you already know.

You must be 21 or older and be:

• a relative, where the child has lived with you for 3 years
• a step‑parent, where the child has lived with you and your partner for over 6 months
• a foster carer, where the child has lived with you for at least a year

Before you start this process, consider other ways to share caring for a child, like getting special court orders.

If you plan to adopt a child you know, you must tell us no more than 2 years, and no fewer than 3 months, before applying.

Contact our adoption team by phone 01494 586 349 or email [email protected].

Adopting from overseas is called intercountry adoption. This can take a long time and often costs thousands of pounds.

Many countries have now closed their borders and no longer allow this type of adoption.

Before choosing this route, think about why you want to adopt from another country. If it’s to reflect your family’s heritage, there are children here in England who need loving families too.

Assessments for intercountry adoption are carried out by Coram IAC, who charge a fee. To learn more, you can contact Coram IAC:

Phone: 0208 447 4753
Website: Get in Touch with IAC - Intercountry Adoption Centre

Visit Adoption UK to find out more about intercountry adoption.

Our friendly team is here to help. Reach out today and let’s talk about your adoption journey.