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Adoption - Your Questions

About Families Are Best

Why should I choose to deal with Families are Best when there are other adoption agencies in the area?
What's the difference between Families are Best and the services provided by a local authority?
What area does Families are Best cover?
Does Families are Best provide training?
How can I find out what other people think of the services and support they've received from Families are Best?
Do you have any leaflets that I can look at?
How can I find further information?
Do you have information available, or large print or languages other than English?
How can I make an appointment to see someone?
Where are the Families are Best offices?
How can I make a donation to Families are Best?
I'd like to support the work of Families are Best. How can I help?

What Adoption Means

What is adoption?
What is the difference between adoption and fostering?

The Children

What kind of children are waiting to be adopted and where are they from?
How many children can I adopt?
How old are the children who are waiting to be adopted?
Are there children from black and minority ethnic groups who need adoption?
Can we adopt a baby?
What do adopted children need?
Do adopted children keep contact with their birth parents, brothers and sisters, or other relatives?
What should I do when my adopted child starts asking about their birth parents?

Qualities And Qualifications

Why do people consider adoption?
Who can adopt?
Do I need any special qualifications?
What skills and experience would help to be an adopter?
What does it take to be a successful adopter?
What are the age limits for adopters?
My own children have left home. Am I too old to adopt?
Can we adopt more than once?
I'm disabled. Can I still apply?
Can we back out after we've applied?
What if I have any criminal convictions?
Do I need to be rich to be an adopter?
Do I need to live in a big house with a big garden?
Do I need to be married or in a relationship?
I'm single. Could I be considered?
I'm a divorcee. Can I apply to become an adopter?
Do I need a full time job?
We can't have children of our own - can we be considered?
Do I have to be religious?
I don't believe in God. Will that count against me?
I've recently been made redundant. Will this prevent me from being considered as a potential adopter?
Do I need a car?
What would prevent me being considered?
Can gay couples apply?
We already have children living at home. Can we adopt?
I have a child with disabilities: will I still be considered if I apply to be come an adopter?
I want to adopt a baby from abroad. Can you help me?
What if I can't cope?
My application was turned down by another adoption agency. Can I reapply to Families Are Best?
The Adoption Panel turned us down. Can we reapply?
I'm not a British citizen? Can I still apply?
I'm thinking about adopting a stepchild. Can Families are Best help?

Health Issues

What about our health?
I'm overweight - will this count against me?
I smoke - will this prevent me from being accepted as an adopter?
Do I have to have a medical?
I've had infertility/IVF treatment which has been unsuccessful. I want to consider adoption. Can you help?

Our Services

What help and support can I expect from Families are Best during and after the adoption process?
I'm an adopted person. Does Families are Best provide any services for people like me?
Can you help me trace my birth parents?
Can Families are Best help me trace my birth family relatives?
I've just found out that I am adopted. I'm confused. Who can I talk to?
I'm a birth parent and desperate to find out if my children are happy with their adoptive parents. What can I do?
I'm pregnant and may want to place my child for adoption. Can you help?
We've applied to become adopters and now I've discovered I'm pregnant. Can we continue with our application?

The Process

How long does the adoption process take?
What are the legal implications of being an adopter?
What is the role of the Adoption Panel?
How does Families are Best match children with adopters?
What if I'm turned down?
Will the police check up on my background?
What checks will be made?
Will I have to provide references?
When should I tell my adopted children that they've been adopted?
Do adoptions break down?
Can I talk to other people who have adopted?

Costs

How much does adoption cost?
Is there any financial help available for adopters?
Are there any expenses or allowances?
Do adopters have the same pay and leave rights as birth parents?'
Are there other organisations which can help or provide further information?

Information

If I want to take this further, what's my next step?
Do you have an application form?
Do you have an information pack?
How can I apply?
Is information available in another format or language?

If you have any other questions click here

About Families Are Best

1. Why should I choose to deal with Families are Best when there are other adoption agencies in the area?
We realise you have a choice. In such an important issue as adoption, it's vital that you deal with people you have confidence in, feel able to trust, and who can give you the professional support you need now and in the future. Families are Best is a specialist adoption agency. Adoption is our reason for existing as an organisation.

2. What's the difference between Families are Best and the services provided by a local authority?
Families are Best is one of a network of Voluntary adoption agencies across the UK.

Simply put, if you come to Families Are Best as adopters, we will work together with you to find the child/children that are right for you from all the children throughout England and Wales awaiting a new family.

3. What area does Families are Best cover?
We operate throughout the East Midlands and beyond. We work with families within a two hour travelling distance of our office base in Nottingham so that we can offer a high level of support when children are placed.

4. Does Families are Best provide training?
Families Are Best provides excellent training. We run a 7 day training and preparation programme 3 times a year. Many other agencies provide less training – but here at Families Are Best we believe you need to be thoroughly prepared for such an important task as adoption.

The preparation groups cover a wide range of adoption related topics, including Changing Relationships, Child Development, Managing Behaviour, Loss, Communicating with Children, Caring for Abused Children, Diversity, Contact and Adoption Support. The groups will also provide an opportunity for you to meet people who have already adopted and to hear about their experiences.

Families Are Best provides an integrated preparation and assessment programme so that during the time that you are attending the groups your Social Worker will be visiting you at home to discuss with you the issues raised and to help you further prepare to become adoptive parents.

5. How can I find out what other people think of the services and support they've received from Families are Best?
Feedback from adopters about our programme is very positive:

“Our Social Worker was an inspiration, we felt we could ask her anything however stupid or small and she always gave us a straight answer”.

“Meeting experienced adoptive families during the assessment process gave us a lot of encouragement and was very reassuring”.

6. Do you have any leaflets that I can look at?
Families are Best has produced a range of leaflets on various subjects. These are all available for you to look at and download from this website. Click here to find out more.

7. How can I find further information?
If you don't find the information you're looking for on the Families are Best website, you can contact us direct, either by phone or e mail, or contact one or more of the national adoption organisations. Click Contact us or Useful links for more details.

8. Do you have information available, or large print or languages other than English?
Please contact us and tell us what you need. We will then seek to provide you with any of our information in a format to suit your needs.

9. How can I make an appointment to see someone?
Contact Families are Best for a prompt, friendly and confidential response. We can send you an information pack and arrange for one of our adoption practitioners to meet you for an initial discussion without any obligation on your part. Click Contact us for information.

10. Where are the Families are Best offices?
Our address is:

Families Are Best,
7 Colwick Road,
West Bridgford,
Nottingham NG2 5FR
Telephone: 0115 955 8811
Fax: 0115 955 8822

11. How can I make a donation to Families are Best?
You can do this in several ways. You can make a donation by credit/debit card by phoning us on 0115 9558811 or emailing us at donations@ccsnotts.co.uk. By cash or cheque addressed to Donations, Families Are Best, Catholic Children's Society, 7 Colwick Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 5FR.

You may gift aid your donations using our gift aid leaflet which can be downloaded from this site. Click here to view the PDF.

12. I'd like to support the work of Families are Best. How can I help?
support our work

What Adoption Means

1. What is adoption?
Adoption is a way of providing new families for children who, for various reasons, can no longer be brought up by their birth parents. It is a legal process which transfers all parental responsibility to the adopters. The process culminates in an adoption order and an adopted child loses all legal ties with their birth parents and becomes a full member of the new family, usually taking the family's name.

2. What is the difference between adoption and fostering?
Adoption is a legal process by which a child becomes a permanent and full member of a new family. Fostering is a temporary arrangement to allow a child to live with a family until circumstances enable the child to return to their own family, live independently, or be placed for adoption.

Some adoptive parents will receive an adoption allowance whereas foster carers are always given an allowance, and in some cases they are also paid for their services. They always share the responsibility for the child with a fostering agency.

The Children

1. What kind of children are waiting to be adopted and where are they from?
Many people associate adoption with babies. In fact, these days there are very few young babies needing adoption.

Today, the need is to find new families for older children, as well as children with disabilities and groups of brothers and sisters who would otherwise have to stay in one or other form of care, such as foster care.

There are estimated to be as many as 3,000 children in the UK who are waiting to find a new family. Some have waited for years. They come from many different backgrounds.

They are aged between 0 and 16 years but the majority who are placed are between 2-10 years. Some are from black and minority ethnic groups, some have disabilities, some have medical problems and they all have experienced difficulties in their early lives. Brothers and sisters might need to be placed together.

There are many reasons why they can no longer live with their own families - amongst them abuse, neglect or family breakdown. Our aim is to find families to care for these children on a permanent basis so that they can develop for the future secure and stable family lives. There's a particular need to find new homes for older children and those with disabilities.

Most of the children placed for adoption are cared for by their local authority in foster homes prior to placement for adoption. The upheaval they have known in their lives is likely to make an impact on their general development and may also have an influence on their behaviour.

Frequently, brother and sister groups are adopted together, but we also find families for a wide age range of children who are being placed individually. In general, children who are under the age of two are part of a sibling group or have particular medical, developmental or background issues.

Often children with a disability are overlooked by prospective adopters, so Families are Best is seeking families who can rise to the challenge of caring for a child with a disability. The range of ability within this group of children varies greatly, some may have been physically disabled from birth, some may have moderate to severe learning difficulties. All have the potential to achieve and to bring their adopters an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and achievement.

2. How many children can I adopt?
We frequently place single children and brothers and sisters in adoptive families and have placed sibling groups of three and four children. Quite often adopters come back later to us to adopt a second child.

3. How old are the children who are waiting to be adopted?
The law says that children can be adopted from infancy until the age of 18 years.

We place children of all ages but the majority are between 2 and 10 years.

4. Are there children from black and minority ethnic groups who need adoption?
Yes, and this includes children of dual heritage who tend to wait longest for their new family.

We're looking for families from black and minority ethnic groups which can reflect a child's racial and cultural needs.

5. Can we adopt a baby?
These days, few healthy white babies are placed for adoption. The most urgent need is for individuals and couples to consider adopting single children, groups of brothers and sisters and children with disabilities. There is a great need for black families to adopt black children of every age.

6. What do adopted children need?
All children need love and security and to be kept safe: for adopted children this is particularly important as they have often not previously experienced this. They need fun-loving, energetic and positive parents who enjoy children and who will delight in their achievements.

7. Do adopted children keep contact with their birth parents, brothers and sisters, or other relatives?
For most children, it is invaluable and appropriate to keep contact with people from their past, including members of their birth family, previous carers and other people who may have been important to them. Contact arrangements vary considerably - sometimes it's regular face-to-face contact and more often it's by letter exchanged confidentially. The Families are Best team will remain on hand to support you through your particular set of circumstances.

8. What should I do when my adopted child starts asking about their birth parents?
Be honest and answer their questions in as simple and straightforward a manner as you can. We all have a right to know about our history, and a child's need to know does not minimise the value of adoptive parenthood. Adoptive parents have an additional parenting task: to help their child understand about their birth family. Strong relationships are based on truth, so be open and honest and bear in mind the child's age and understanding. We will prepare you for this during the assessment process and will be available to support you if you need help in explaining to your child about their history in the future.

Qualities And Qualifications

1. Why do people consider adoption?
There can be many reasons. Some people consider adoption if they have been unable to have birth children, for whatever reasons. Other people who have birth children but are unable to have any more, turn to adoption to 'complete' their family. We often have applications from successful parents who wish to parent again, sometimes in a second established relationship.

2. Who can adopt?
All applicants must be 21 years old. There is no legal upper age limit.

Families are Best works with married couples and single people. However, we will provide initial advice and guidance, usually over the telephone, to anyone with in an interest in adoption. The law now enables unmarried couples in an enduring relationship to adopt and we will assist any unmarried couples, or couples in a Civil Partnership, who approach Families are Best to be linked with an adoption agency who will welcome their enquiry.

We positively welcome single applicants and the Agency has a wealth of experience in working with single people.

One of the applicants must be domiciled in the British Isles or both must have been Habitually Resident for a year prior to making an adoption application.

3. Do I need any special qualifications?

4. What skills and experience would help to be an adopter?

5. What does it take to be a successful adopter?

Our adopters are all different. They may be married, single, divorced or widowed; have a full time job or be unemployed; have their own home or live in rented accommodation, or be from any ethnic or religious background. What they all have in common is the willingness and commitment to offer a child or children a loving, caring home in which they can thrive.

Adopters come from all backgrounds and all walks of life. You need to be flexible, patient and have a sense of humour and commitment to children. You need energy and love - and a determination to help children overcome their unhappy and sometimes painful experiences. It takes time. However, the rewards of providing stability and love and seeing these children grow are just enormous.

If you decide to proceed we will be looking with you at how your life experience, knowledge and skills will help you to be a successful adopter.

You may not have lots of experience of bringing up children, but other experiences in your life may have given you understanding which will be useful as an adopter.

For example:

you may have cared for the children of relatives or friends;
you may have experienced separation from people important to you or even bereavement. This could help you to understand how a child coming into foster care or to an adoptive home may feel;
you may have been bullied at school or work and so be able to stand up for a child who also feels different.

At this initial stage it would be helpful if you could begin to think about your life experience and the relevant skills and knowledge it has given to you. You need to think not only about the employment you have had and any qualifications you have gained, but also about experiences acquired through your own family life, voluntary work, hobbies and interests.

Why not use the following headlines as a guide to the sort of areas we will be discussing with you further.

Child care experience

What did you learn from the way you were brought up?
What experience have you had in caring for children?
Could you extend your experience by getting involved with local children's groups or schools?
Working with others as part of a team
Links with individuals/groups in your community
Relevant training/achievements

Please contact us if you want to discuss this further.

6. What are the age limits for adopters?
We do not set age limits for adopters but the law states that all applicants must be aged 21 years and above.

All enquiries are given careful consideration , e.g. prospective adoptive parents in their 50’s may well be better suited to school age children.

7. My own children have left home. Am I too old to adopt?
We welcome applications from experienced parents. The Agency has experience of working with adopters in their 50’s. What we seek are families who have the qualities and energy required to parent often physically and emotionally demanding children.

All enquiries are given careful consideration and adoption agencies are advised by the relevant Government Departments that prospective adopters should have "a reasonable expectation of retaining health and vigour so as to be able to meet the many and varied demands of children during their formative years". You will need to consider your age/s in relation to the age/s of child/ren you wish to adopt.

8. Can we adopt more than once?
Yes, second applications are taken forward from families who have already adopted through the agency and these are considered on an individual basis.

9. I'm disabled. Can I still apply?
Yes. We would look at how your disability might affect your ability to become an adoptive parent.

Click on Information Pack for more details.

10. Can we back out after we've applied?
Yes. Sometimes people pull out when they realise adoption is not right for them and we will work with you to discuss any doubts you have.

11. What if I have any criminal convictions?
All adopters are subject to an enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check. There are some criminal offences, those particularly against children, which will rule you out. We're happy to discuss this with you if you are unsure.

12. Do I need to be rich to be an adopter?
No, we will ask you to estimate whether you have the financial resources to care for a child/children. Where there is a shortfall we would ask the placing Local Authority to offer you financial support.

13. Do I need to live in a big house with a big garden?
Wealth and possession do not necessarily make people good adoptive parents. Love, commitment and stability are what children need most of all. You need to consider the space you have available when you are thinking about adoption.

14. Do I need to be married or in a relationship?
No, you can be single or married. The law now enables unmarried couples in an enduring relationship and couples in a Civil Partnership to adopt. As Families are Best works only with single and married couples we will assist unmarried couples to contact an adoption agency who will welcome your enquiry.

15. I'm single. Could I be considered?
You don't need to be married, or have a partner to become an adoptive parent. Single, divorced and widowed people can apply.

We are pleased to work with single people who wish to consider adoption. As in all applications, careful consideration is given to the applicant's support network and their flexibility regarding employment arrangements, if they are employed.

16. I'm a divorcee. Can I apply to become an adopter?
Yes, we consider applications from people who have been divorced.

17. Do I need a full time job?
No, you don't have to be employed to become an adopter.

18. We can't have children of our own - can we be considered?
Yes, many of our adopters are childless. However, first of all we will always encourage you to discuss matters relating to childlessness with your GP and to pursue medical investigations before considering adoption. We usually ask you to have completed any investigations or treatment before actively pursuing an adoption application. Both avenues to parenthood are emotionally arduous and our experience has shown that it is unwise to follow both options simultaneously.

19. Do I have to be religious?

20. I don't believe in God. Will that count against me?
We accept applicants who have a religious faith and those who have none.

21. I've recently been made redundant. Will this prevent me from being considered as a potential adopter?
We consider people who are employed and those who are not. Your individual circumstances will be considered during your application.

22. Do I need a car?
Not essential, but it can be useful.

23. What would prevent me being considered?
Our primary aim is the welfare of children and meeting their needs throughout their childhood. Occasionally we come across issues which would rule people out, eg serious medical issues; serious criminal offences and some personal issues. Right from the start we will seek to be honest with you about the issues that might rule you out.

24. Can gay couples apply?
Many agencies welcome applications from gay prospective adopters. Families Are Best is unable to accept applications from gay people who are considering adoption, but can offer advice and guidance on adoption generally, and direct individuals to another agency where their application may be considered.

25. We already have children living at home. Can we adopt?
We welcome applications from families with children. Generally the child to be adopted is placed as the youngest family member, and usually an age gap of a couple of years is preferred. It will be important for your social worker to meet your children and to consider their views and understanding of adoption.

Experience has taught us that the children we place for adoption are emotionally vulnerable and very demanding of attention: it will take time for them to begin to settle in your family. You will have to consider how this may affect the children living in the family.

Occasionally a family with young children are interested in adopting either a much older school-aged child or teenager or an older child with a severe disability. The circumstances of their application would be given careful individual consideration.

26. I have a child with disabilities: will I still be considered if I apply to become an adopter?
We positively welcome people who are interested in or have experience of children with disabilities. Families Are Best are gaining experience and links in this specialist area to support families who adopt disabled children. You may, of course, want to adopt a child who is not disabled.

27. I want to adopt a baby from abroad. Can you help me?
No. We are not approved to undertake inter country adoptions. Please contact your local authority or a voluntary agency approved for this purpose. For further information you can contact the Overseas Adoption Helpline at www.oah.org.uk.

28. What if I can't cope?
Adoption is a challenging task. You need to be confident about your skills. Good preparation and ongoing support will be offered by Families are Best and others to help you. You need to consider where your personal support will come from. Families Are Best recognises the lifelong impact of adoption and that support may be needed from time to time throughout a child’s life and beyond.

29. My application was turned down by another adoption agency. Can I reapply to Families Are Best?
Yes. Families Are Best would take a fresh look at your situation. With your consent part of our consideration will involve a discussion with the other agency.

30. The Adoption Panel turned us down. Can we reapply?
If your application is not recommended by the Adoption Panel you will be given an opportunity to make representations within 40 working days, either to the Families are Best Adoption Panel or to the Independent Review Mechanism. This is an Independent Adoption Panel which could reconsider your application and make a fresh recommendation for the Agency Decision Maker at Families are Best to consider.

31. I'm not a British citizen? Can I still apply?
You do not need to be a British citizen, but a single applicant must be domiciled in the British Isles. For a married couple one of the applicants must be domiciled in the British Isles or both must have been Habitually Resident for more than one year.

32. I'm thinking about adopting a stepchild. Can Families are Best help?
No. Please contact your local authority for further information.

Health Issues

1. What about our health?
All adoption applicants are required by law to have a medical examination as part of their adoption assessment. This is undertaken by your GP and the necessary forms are supplied by us. The completed report is returned by the GP to our Medical Adviser for comment and a recommendation to the Adoption Panel. Adoption medical reports are held confidentially by the Agency.

Prospective adopters are expected to be in good general health. This includes consideration of lifestyle-related issues such as weight, smoking and alcohol consumption. These factors are not in themselves reasons to reject an application. Our Medical Adviser considers all medical information and if, in their professional opinion, there is a particular health risk either to you or to the children who may be placed in your care, we would then discuss these matters with you carefully before taking things further.

Occasionally applicants tell us at their first enquiry about a known medical condition for which they are receiving treatment, or they may be concerned about the possibility of inherited medical conditions in their extended family. In these circumstances we may advise you to have early adoption medicals so that any difficulties can be addressed promptly in discussion with our Medical Adviser.

2. I'm overweight - will this count against me?
Prospective adopters are expected to be in good general health and being overweight can be a health risk. This needs to be balanced against the qualities you bring to parenting and advice may be given on how to adjust your lifestyle appropriately.

3. I smoke - will this prevent me from being accepted as an adopter?
Prospective adopters are expected to be in good general health and smoking is a serious risk to your health. However, this needs to be balanced against the qualities you bring to parenting and often advice will be given to you on how to make the necessary lifestyle changes. Babies, small children and children with breathing problems, e.g. asthma, are not usually placed with smokers.

4. Do I have to have a medical?
Yes. All adoption applicants are required by law to have a medical examination as part of their adoption assessment. This is done by an appointment with your GP and the necessary forms are supplied by us. The completed report is returned by the GP to our Medical Adviser for comment and a recommendation to the Adoption Panel. Adoption medical reports are held confidentially by the Agency.

Prospective adopters are expected to be in good general health. This includes consideration of lifestyle-related issues such as weight, smoking and alcohol consumption. These factors are not in themselves contra-indications to adoption. Our Medical Adviser considers all medication information and if, in their professional opinion, there is a particular health risk either to you or to the children who may be placed in your care, we would then discuss these matters with you carefully before proceeding further.

Occasionally applicants tell us at their first enquiry about a known medical condition for which they are receiving treatment, or they may be concerned about the possibility of inherited medical conditions in their extended family. In these circumstances we may advise you to have early adoption medicals so that any difficulties can be addressed promptly in discussion with our Medical Adviser.

5. I've had infertility/IVF treatment which has been unsuccessful. I want to consider adoption. Can you help?
Yes. many of our adopters are childless, or are unable to have subsequent children. However, first of all we will always encourage you to discuss matters relating to childlessness with your GP and to pursue medical investigations before considering adoption. We usually ask you to have completed any investigations or treatment before actively pursuing an adoption application. Both avenues to parenthood are emotionally arduous and our experience has shown that it is unwise to follow both options simultaneously.

Our Services

1. What help and support can I expect from Families are Best during and after the adoption process?
Following your approval at the Adoption Panel, we will continue in partnership with you, working towards the placement of children for adoption in your family.

Prospective adopters tell us they have chosen to come to Families are Best because of our clear commitment to the support of our adopters and our strong reputation for this service.

Support is offered by the Agency at all stages: from your initial enquiry, through the assessment and preparation stage, approval as adopters, placement of children and in the years ahead after an Adoption Order has been made.

We will guide you through discussions regarding the child/ren who eventually join your family and support you through introductions to them. We will then remain in close contact to help you with advice and guidance regarding any particular issues that you encounter in caring for the child.

We have an adopters' support group which meets regularly and we can link you into Adoption UK which is a national adoption support network.

Our commitment to our families continues long-term following the making of the Adoption Order. We publish a regular newsletter and there are opportunities to maintain links with the agency via regular events, such as support group meetings, workshops and social events. Families are welcome to phone the Agency at any time. At Families Are Best experienced adopters help us to run our preparation groups and take part in recruitment events to find other adopters.

Please click here to see a copy of our adoption support leaflet which highlights our services to adopted people, birth relatives, adoptive parents and those formerly in the care of this Agency.

2. I'm an adopted person. Does Families are Best provide any services for people like me?
Yes, for people adopted through this Agency. People who have been adopted often want to talk about their situation and their feelings. You can talk to us informally and we can provide you with information about specialist support, accessing information from your birth records, tracing and intermediary servcies, and the Adoption Contact Register.

Please click here to see a copy of our adoption support leaflet which highlights our services to adopted people, birth relatives, adoptive parents and those formerly in the care of this Agency.

3. Can you help me trace my birth parents?

4. Can Families are Best help me trace my birth family relatives?
Yes, we can help. Families Are Best have extensive experience of helping adopted adults and birth families get back in touch with one another if that is what both parties want. We will give you advice, support and practical support for as long as you want it.

Please click here to see a copy of our adoption support leaflet which highlights our services to adopted people, birth relatives, adoptive parents and those formerly in the care of this Agency.

5. I've just found out that I am adopted. I'm confused. Who can I talk to?
You can talk to us or we can put you in touch with other specialist services. We have a duty social worker available each weekday between 9.30 and 5.00 and an out of hours phoneline operates on the first Thursday of each month between 5.00 and 8.00pm.

Please click here to see a copy of our adoption support leaflet which highlights our services to adopted people, birth relatives, adoptive parents and those formerly in the care of this Agency.

6. I'm a birth parent and desperate to find out if my children are happy with their adoptive parents. What can I do?
People who placed a child or children for adoption years ago may come to a point in their lives where they want to share their feelings or try and make some form of contact with them. At Families are Best, there is also someone with the experience and knowledge to listen and offer guidance and support. We can also help you in accessing services from other agencies.

Please click here to see a copy of our adoption support leaflet which highlights our services to adopted people, birth relatives, adoptive parents and those formerly in the care of this Agency.

7. I'm pregnant and may want to place my child for adoption. Can you help?
If you are a practicing Catholic we can provide you with help and advice to make the right choice for you and your baby. If this is not the case, you may contact your local Social Services department.

8. We've applied to become adopters and now I've discovered I'm pregnant. Can we continue with our application?
No. We feel it is important that you take care of yourself and your birth children so continuing with your application is not the wisest choice for you at this time.

The Process

1. How long does the adoption process take?
We know that you will be keen to complete the process but we need to make sure that you're properly prepared, and that our checks are carried out sensitively and comprehensively. We aim to complete the assessment and preparation process within the eight month timescale recommended by the Government. The process of matching you with the right children can also be time consuming - it may take weeks or even months to find the child or children that are right for you.

You may feel that the process is too long but our low adoption breakdown rate underlines our belief in thoroughness and attention to detail so that we minimise the possibilities of anything going wrong and avoid the disappointment and pain that can result for both sides.

2. What are the legal implications of being an adopter?
When you adopt children and the Adoption Order is made you have full parental responsibility for the children and you are their legal parents.

3. What is the role of the Adoption Panel?
The Adoption Panel considers your application and recommends to the Agency whether you should be approved as prospective adopters. You will be invited to attend the Panel Meeting when your application is considered. You are verbally informed of the Panel's recommendation the same day and receive written confirmation of the Agency decision within five working days.

If you are unhappy about the agency's decision, you have the right of appeal to the Independent Review Mechanism.

However, we aim to work openly and honestly with you in partnership and to have aired any concerns at a much earlier stage.

Click here for more information.

4. How does Families are Best match children with adopters?
You and your social worker together will seek to match your skills and experience with the needs of particular children. We have access to children who are referred from right across the country from Local Authorities, the National Adoption Register, Be my Parent,and Adoption UK. We have informal links with many Local Authorities with whom we have worked before, finding the right children for you - following a careful process of introduction.

5. What if I'm turned down?
Families are Best’s commitment to work in an anti-discriminatory way informs all areas of our service provision and social work practice. We aim to treat all individuals fairly, openly and with respect throughout the adoption process.

We have a complaints procedure and you will be given a leaflet about this at the beginning of your application. If you are ultimately turned down by the Adoption Panel you can apply for your application to be heard by the IRM.

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6. Will the police check up on my background?
Yes, you will be subject to an enhanced CRB check.

7. What checks will be made?
It is required by law that checks are completed by the Criminal Records Bureau, which include Police, Department of Health and Department of Education and Skills records. Additionally, checks are completed locally with Social Services, the Probation Service, the Education Department and the Heath Visitor records.

Certain criminal convictions, in particular those involving children, automatically exclude applications.

Enhanced CRB checks are undertaken on all members of the household who are over 18.

Your social worker will ask to see your birth certificate, marriage and divorce certificates (as appropriate), your national insurance registration and evidence of rent/mortgage payments.

8. Will I have to provide references?
It is a legal requirement that every adoption application must be supported by three personal references one of which should be from a family member. Your referees should know you well, be aware of your interest in adoption and be able to comment about your potential as adoptive parents.

Adoption referees are asked to complete a written reference based on guidelines provided by the Agency. When this is returned an appointment will be made by your social worker to visit them for further discussion.

It is our policy to contact former partners where you have jointly parented children previously as this provides important evidence about your parenting ability and experience. We would discuss the individual circumstances with you first.

If you already have children and they are at school, we will ask their school for a reference after discussion with you.

If you are a practicing Catholic we will also ask your Parish Priest for a reference.

We also will need to seek a reference from your employer to verify your employment status, National Insurance number and income. We would discuss the timing of this with you.

All references are held by the agency as confidential information.

9. When should I tell my adopted children that they've been adopted?
If you adopt a very young child, you can start explanations at an early stage, so that they get used to the word adoption and grow up knowing all about it. If children are older when they come to live with you, they will have memories of their past and they will need you to help them understand what is happening to them. The important thing to remember is that explanations need to be ongoing and to grow and develop alongside the child, taking into account their developing understanding of life, love and relationships.

10. Do adoptions break down?
Yes, but not often. We take great care to ensure the process is thorough, to avoid breakdown: Providing good preparation and access to support services also minimises the risks. We talk with you about the possibility of an adoption disruption during your training and preparation and help you with strategies to prevent this from happening. Families Are Best has a breakdown rate which is below the national average.

11. Can I talk to other people who have adopted?
Yes. Email us with your request and we'll arrange for you talk to someone on the phone, on line or in person, whatever suits you best. Click here for information.

Costs

1. How much does adoption cost?

Medical charges
You will have to pay for the cost of the statutory adoption medical examination yourself. Charges can vary, but are usually in the region of £50 to £75.

Legal expenses
There is a standard national fee of £140 per child to lodge an Adoption Application in the County Court. However, the child's local authority will usually pay this fee. They will also pay any legal costs involved in a complex adoption application if you are not eligible for Community Legal Help (formerly Legal Aid).

Financial support
Local Authorities will consider the possibility of offering financial support to families for children who have a range of special needs which require extra funding. A support plan will be prepared in partnership with you which will include any financial support that may be required. Families may be required to make an income declaration and, generally, allowances are taxable. Once agreed, allowances may continue to be paid long-term (following the granting of an Adoption Order) or may be a one-off lump sum. The allowances do not undermine the legality of the Adoption Order.

Adoption Support
A Local Authority placing a child with you is required to prepare an Adoption Support Plan for your child in partnership with you. This plan will cover all the services and help you and your child may need such as health and education or any specialist services, e.g. therapy as well as financial support. The Plan should be reviewed and updated regularly

Child Benefit
Adopters are entitled to claim Child Benefit straight away following placement. Their claim will be endorsed by the child's social worker, and payment should continue uninterrupted following the making of the Adoption Order.

Details of Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit can be obtained from the Inland Revenue.

See also 'Do adopters have the same pay and leave rights as birth parents?'

2. Is there any financial help available for adopters?

3. Are there any expenses or allowances?

Financial Support
Local Authorities will consider the possibility of offering financial support to families for children who have a range of special needs which require extra funding. Families may be required to make an income declaration and adoption allowances are not taxable. Once agreed, allowances may continue to be paid long-term (including following the granting of an Adoption Order) or may be a one-off lump sum. The allowances do not undermine the legality of the Adoption Order.

Child Benefit
Adopters are entitled to claim Child Benefit straight away following placement. Their claim will be endorsed by the child's social worker, and payment should continue uninterrupted following the making of the Adoption Order.

Details of Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit can be obtained from the Inland Revenue.

4. Do adopters have the same pay and leave rights as birth parents?'
Adoptive parents are entitled to up to 26 weeks' paid adoption leave followed immediately by up to 26 weeks additional unpaid adoption leave.

During adoption leave, most adopters are entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay from their employers at the same standard rate as Statutory Maternity Pay - currently £108.85 a week or 90% of their average weekly earnings if this is less than £108.85.

Employees now also have the right to paid paternity leave to care for their new child or support their partners. For more details, see the DTI website.

5. Are there other organisations which can help or provide further information?
Yes. Click here for details.

Information

1. If I want to take this further, what's my next step?
Contact Families are Best for a prompt, friendly and confidential response. We can send you an information pack and arrange for one of our adoption practitioners to meet you for an initial discussion without any obligation on your part. Click here to contact us.

2. Do you have an application form?
Yes. Click here.

3. Do you have an information pack?
Yes. Click here.

4. How can I apply?
Click here for our online application form.

5. Is information available in another format or language?
If you require information in any other format or language, please contact us

Another Question?

If you have a question or questions and you can't find the answers on this website, please click here and complete our online form.

Alternatively you can email us and we'll promise to respond within 24 hours during the working week, or within 48 hours for requests received during the weekend. We can arrange for one of our adoption practitioners to contact you by telephone.