Who can adopt
Action for Children adopters come from a variety of
backgrounds and experiences.
We have a flexible approach and believe that the most important
thing is that a child or young person can be sure of your
commitment, adaptability and security. Children need families who
can help them grow up feeling good about themselves.
Age and health
We do not have any upper age limits, and we are looking for
adopters who can commit themselves and have enough energy to take
care of lively children. Legally you must be over 21 to adopt. As
with most agencies, we work to the general guideline of a maximum
of 40 years between the age of the adopter and the age of the
child. More important than age is the ability to provide a home for
a child or children with very special needs.
We also consider your health as part of the adoption assessment
report. You will be required to be examined by your doctor as part
of the application and this medical exam will be included and
commented on by the medical adviser to the adoption panel. We
consider health and disability in the context of your entire
application.
If you smoke, we would discuss the impact of your smoking on any
children or young people you may adopt. Smoking damages the health
of smokers and those around them. If you smoke we would not
generally match you with any children under 5 years old or children
with breathing or chest difficulties. When agencies have a choice
of families, smokers are at a disadvantage compared to non-smokers
because the health risks are so clear.
During the assessment, we look at all the factors of whether you
are able to adequately care for a child and meet their emotional
and physical needs. Obviously your health and wellbeing play a
crucial part in that process, but your parenting skills,
understanding of children's needs and strong support systems will
be part of the equation as well.
Marital status and family
We do not have any requirements about your marital status. Our
adopters may be single, married, in a civil partnership or living
with a partner. You can adopt jointly without being
married. We welcome gay and lesbian adopters whether they are
single or looking to adopt jointly with their partner.
Some adoptive families already have children, and some do not
have children of their own. If you already have children, make sure
you consider how you will meet the adopted child's needs as well as
your existing family's needs, and whether your children want to
adopt as much as you do. During the assessment we would talk with
you about the ages and needs of your children and how you plan to
make room for another child.
For infertile couples looking to adopt, we require that you have
stopped infertility treatment so we know that you are really
committed to parenting through adoption.
Home and finances
Our adopters live in all sorts of homes. You do not need to own
your home or even have a garden to adopt. The most important thing
is security, so we will discuss how secure your tenancy is. There
should also be places nearby where a child could play outdoors.
We welcome your application no matter your income or if you are
on benefits. If you have a low income or are on a benefit, you may
be eligible for help with the cost of medicals, court fees and the
ongoing care of the child or children you adopt.
Background
We believe that children need families who can help them grow up
feeling good about themselves, with knowledge of their own culture,
language and religion. Our adopters come from many backgrounds,
reflecting the children looking for a new family. We also consider
factors such as health and childcare experience.
If you have been in trouble with the law, we will consider most
crimes in the wider context of your past and present lifestyle.
However, some offences do automatically bar someone from adopting -
usually those against children and young people. It is important
that you include your full history when making your application.
You cannot consider any convictions as spent and you must declare
all cautions, convictions or pending court appearances in your
application and when discussing your background with our social
worker.
Contact us for an information pack
Fill out our simple online
form
Email: adoption@actionforchildren.org.uk
Phone: 0845 355 5533