The first step is to find an adoption agency that you want to go through the process with. The agency you choose will guide you through the process and prepare you with training and skills to be the best possible parent to meet the needs of the children waiting to find their permanent home. While the adoption process can seem excessive at times, most prospective adopters find it helps them know themselves more and become better parents.
The adoption process is designed to be open, fair and inclusive. The chances are that if you want to adopt, you can. Adopters are needed from a wide range of backgrounds to reflect the needs of the children that have a plan for adoption. Adopters are most desperately needed for sibling groups, children over the age of five, those with additional needs and children from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
The Adoption Process
When you start to consider adopting a child you are at the start of the adoption process and on a journey to discover if adoption is right for you. All adopted children will come with their own level of need, many have experienced early trauma that may impact their behaviour and attachment styles. It's important to have that in mind when you're considering adopting and be aware that the process is developed with the best interests of the child in mind.