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- What is Adoption?
- Who are the Children who need Adoptive Families?
- Why do Children need Adoption?
- What does the law say about Adoption?
- How do we prioritise enquiries?
- Can I / We apply to Adopt?
- What expectations do we have of you?
- How can I / We show you our skills?
- What happens next?
- What happens once you are approved?
- What support will you receive?
- Adoption FAQs
- Inter-Country Adoption
- Learn about Fostering!
What does the law say about Adoption?
The main piece of legislation the affects children who are looked after or accomodated by the local authority is the
Children Act 1989, which says:
"Social Services must work with parents and make every effort to return children to their birth family wherever possible"
Where Children cannot be returned to their birth family, Social Services look for their adoptive families.
The legislation that governs adoption is the
Adoption and Children Act 2002 & The Adoption Regulations 1983 and 2005.
The law says that adopted people have a right to know they are adopted and can see their adoption file when they reach adulthood.
Adoption Agencies also work under National Standards, which state that the following must be taken into account when placing children for adoption.
- Children are entitled to grow up as part of a loving family.
- Children’s ethnic origin, cultural background, religion and language will be respected and considered when decisions are made.
- Adoption is about meeting the needs of children not about the needs of adults.
- The child’s welfare, safety, needs and views should be at the centre of the adoption process and will be taken into account at all stages.
