What does it take?

Adoptive parents need the same qualities as any other parent. Adoption offers children the love, stability and security of family life they may not have experienced before. Have confidence that you have what it takes!

You will need to give your adopted child(ren) lots of individual time, understanding and support. Children who experience emotional and physical difficulties in their early in lives can have their development adversely affected, perhaps requiring different parenting techniques to a birth child. That may sound daunting, but we will provide plenty of support.

On a practical level, you will need to be able to support a child financially, though you don't have to be wealthy or a homeowner. You can apply for a variety of Benefits to support your income when you adopt, and other financial help may also be available from the Adoption Agency in the form of one-off or regular payments.

When you adopt it is important for the child to have a parent who can take time off work for between six and twelve months to help the child settle in.

Your child will also need your ongoing support from you to help them understand about their birth family history and why they were adopted. You will need to be open, honest and sensitive in your conversations with them as they grow up. 

There is likely to be ongoing arrangements for the child to stay in touch with their birth family. This can involve meetings with birth family members or the exchange of information (cards, letters and photographs). As an adoptive parent, you will need to support your child with their arrangements for staying in touch with their birth family. 

Adoption is a lifelong commitment requiring skill, empathy, energy, patience - and a sense of humour! But there can be no greater reward than transforming a child's life forever and building a happy, fulfilled family.