Adoption and fostering: what to expect

What's the difference?
Adoption is a legal process where parental rights are permanently transferred from a child's birth parents to their adoptive parents.

Fostering is a temporary arrangement where a child is looked after for a period of time only—the local authority and, in some cases, the birth parents may share in the child's care too.

Any other differences?
With fostering, an allowance, plus sometimes a fee, is paid to foster parents by the local authority. Unlike with adoption, when you're fostering you may also receive ongoing training.

Am I eligible to be an adoptive / foster parent?
Adoption / fostering is open to you if you're over 21 (there is no upper age limit) and meet set requirements of a selection panel, after which you'll be assessed by a social worker.

Can I only care for a child of my own ethnicity?
Not necessarily. Adoption / fostering selectors prefer children to be brought up within their own culture but parents who'll commit to supporting a child's ethnicity will also be considered for adoption/fostering a child.

Are babies available for adoption / fostering?
Very few and, due to high demand, adoption / fostering of babies under 12 months tends to happen very quickly. There is, however, demand for people who'll consider adoption / fostering of a baby with special needs or who has an older sibling they need to be placed with.

Where do I start?
Contact an adoption / fostering agency in your area. Most agencies will consider applicants within a 50-mile radius.

How long does an adoption / fostering application take?
Before any adoption / fostering can take place, it usually takes around six months for assessments and preparation to be completed. This will include a police check, an examination by your GP and two character references from friends.

Will a child move in immediately?
With adoption, a child will be given a few short meetings with the adoptive parents before moving in permanently. After this, it will still take some time before the adoption is made legal.

In the case of fostering, circumstances will vary—in an emergency, a child may be placed with a foster family immediately.