Legal Process

When you are matched with a child and they are placed with you in your home, the final stages of legally adopting a child can begin. It is normal for an adoption order to be applied for when the child has lived with you for at least six months, but this can happen as quickly as ten weeks after placement with you.  During this time, your social worker or one of their colleagues will visit regularly to review how the child is settling in and find out how you are managing and if there are areas where you need help and support.  

An Adoption Order application is made to the court by adopters, with the agreement of your adoption agency. You can find out more about the formal court process online or through discussion with your social worker.

The culmination of the process is a “celebration hearing” in which the child’s legal status changes and they are made a permanent member of your family.