The Adoption Process: A Clear Step-by-Step Guide

Adoption is a legal process in which an individual or couple becomes the permanent, legal parent(s) of a child who cannot remain with their birth family. In England and Wales, adoption is governed by the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and overseen by adoption agencies, local authorities and the Family Court. Successful adoption results in a court‑issued adoption order, transferring parental responsibility to the adopter(s). This guide sets out the adoption process step by step, describing what prospective adopters can expect, what checks and assessments apply, and how the placement and legal finalisation are achieved. Information is drawn from authoritative government and adoption agency guidance.

1. Initial Contact and Information

Prospective adopters begin the process by contacting an adoption agency. Adoption agencies in England and Wales include:

• Local authority children's services (council-run);
• Voluntary adoption agencies (registered adoption charities).

At this stage you can:

• request general information about adoption;
• attend information sessions or introductory meetings;
• ask questions about eligibility and what support is available.

These early stages help you decide whether to formally proceed and allow the agency to explain the broader adoption process.

2. Formal Application to Be Assessed

Once you decide to continue, the agency will invite you to submit a formal application. This application begins the statutory assessment process.

Agencies will discuss:

• your motivation and readiness to adopt;
• any initial checks or documentation you need to provide; and
• how the formal assessment stages will proceed.

Most prospective adopters complete an application with only one adoption agency at a time.

3. Preparation and Assessment (Two‑Stage Process)

The assessment involves two broad stages and includes training, checks and interviews designed to evaluate your capacity to care for a child long‑term.

Stage One – Initial Checks and Preparation

Stage one focuses on gathering information and completing mandatory checks before a full assessment begins:

• your social worker will visit you at home several times;
• you will complete tasks such as self‑assessment forms and attend adoption preparation training;
• police and safeguarding checks are conducted, including DBS (criminal records) checks;
• you will be asked to provide personal references;
• a health and lifestyle review is carried out to assess your suitability.

Preparation groups or courses help you understand legal responsibilities, the needs of adopted children, attachment and behaviour, and practical parenting issues.

If the agency does not accept you for assessment, you are entitled to an explanation and, in some cases, an opportunity to challenge the decision or contact a different agency.

Stage Two – In‑Depth Assessment

If stage one is successful, a full adoption assessment begins:

• the social worker spends several months conducting in‑depth interviews and observations;
• the assessment explores your childhood history, relationships, health, finances, lifestyle and aspirations;
• referees are interviewed and home visits occur;
• a Prospective Adopters Report (PAR) is prepared, summarising the assessment and suitability.

This stage is designed to ensure you understand the long‑term commitment and challenges of adoption.

4. Adoption Panel and Approval

After the assessment, the agency sends your PAR to an independent adoption panel. This panel consists of people with expertise in adoption, including professionals and adopters.

The panel:

• reviews your assessment thoroughly;
• may ask you to attend and answer questions;
• makes a recommendation on whether you should be approved as adopters.

The adoption agency's decision‑maker (a senior official within the agency) considers the panel's recommendation and makes the formal decision to approve you as an adoptive parent.

5. Matching With a Child

Once approved, the agency begins to match you with a child or children. Matching involves:

• identifying a child whose needs are compatible with your family profile;
• you and the agency discussing the child's history and requirements;
• early introductions and visits involving foster carers, social workers and, where appropriate, medical advisors;
• a matching panel that considers the proposed placement.

Matching is a deliberate process to ensure the best interests of the child and successful long‑term outcomes.

6. Placement and Introduction

Following a successful match:

• planned introductions begin, progressing from short visits to increasing time together;
• social workers support and observe these interactions;
• when all parties agree, the child or children move into your home.

This transition period allows the child to settle and adapt to family life before legal finalisation.

7. Adoption Order Application

After the child has lived with you for the required minimum period (usually around 10 continuous weeks once placed by an adoption agency), you can apply to the Family Court for an adoption order.

To obtain an adoption order:

• the agency usually makes the application on your behalf;
• the court reviews the suitability and welfare considerations; and
• legal parental responsibility passes from the birth parents and agency to you once the order is granted.

The adoption order is permanent and cannot normally be reversed.

8. Post‑Placement Support

Even after placement and finalisation, support continues:

• adoption support services may be available through the local authority or voluntary agencies;
• support can include counselling, behaviour support, education help and family therapy.

Adoption support is important for long‑term family wellbeing and is often tailored to the child's history and specific needs.

Timeframes and Practical Context

The adoption process from initial enquiry to final placement varies depending on:

• the availability of social workers and assessment capacity;
• waiting times for matching after approval;
• the child's circumstances and specific needs.

While statutory guidance suggests assessment usually takes around six months, real‑world timelines are often longer due to resource constraints and individual circumstances.

Key Takeaways

The adoption process in England and Wales involves a sequence of interlinked steps designed to protect the welfare of children and ensure adoptive parents are prepared and suitable. The key stages are:

1. Contacting an adoption agency and gathering information;
2. Formal application to proceed;
3. Structured assessment with preparation and checks;
4. Adoption panel review and approval;
5. Matching with a child;
6. Introductions and placement;
7. Application for an adoption order in the Family Court;
8. Post‑placement support services.

Each step involves legal and practical decisions that prospective adopters should understand before committing. Knowing the process helps manage expectations, plan appropriately and access the right support at each stage.