Exploration & planning
Key steps in the process
Making a start
Your adoption journey starts with reading background information, along with speaking to experts and other adopters who have made the journey before.
Initial checks & registration
Formal processes
After finding an agency you are comfortable with, you can start the formal processes, such as references and background checks. This stage should take no longer than 2 months to complete.
Training & assessment
Adoption report
This is a four-month stage, where a social worker will work with you and your family, assessing your strengths before presenting it in a report to the Adoption Panel.
Finding the right match
Matching panel
Your adoption agency works with local authorities to find the right child for you. They will discuss the suitability of children with you and a matching panel makes the final decision