Private Adoption

Private adoption is when a child under 16 (or 18 if they are disabled) is cared for by someone who is not their parent or close relative.  It can sometimes be a route taken by a foster carer wishing to adopt a child.

If you plan to adopt a child privately and you live in Hampshire, you need to tell Hampshire’s Adoption Service at least three months before you apply to Court to adopt the child. In order to adopt, you will need to have a full assessment by social workers which include full checks and references for the adult/s and the child or children involved.  There is a charge for a private adoption assessment.

There are conditions to meet in order to qualify to adopt a child privately, including

• If the applicant is a foster carer, the child must have lived with them for at least one year.
• In other circumstances the child must have lived with the applicants for three out of the previous five years, but not necessarily continuously.

If you cannot meet these criteria, you may not be able to adopt the child.  

You may prefer to explore other options, such as obtaining a Residence Order or a Special Guardianship Order.

Were you looking for information on private fostering?

Private fostering is an arrangement by a child’s parents for their child to be cared for by another adult who is not closely related to them, and who is not a legal guardian with parental responsibility.