Adopt a child

Children over 5 wait 13 months longer to be adopted. If you adopt a child over five there will often be more information on the child’s health and development needs, which will relieve some of the uncertainty faced when adopting a child. This is due to the fact health and education professionals will have already begun working with them and assessing their needs.

Children over 5 are often more independent and may require less hands-on care than a younger child. This can be appealing for parents who work outside the home or who have other commitments that require them to be away from the home for periods of time.

Older children may also be more vocal about their wants and needs, which can make it easier for adoptive parents to understand and meet their child’s needs. Having this level of communication can help to strengthen the bond with your child as they have a better level of understanding and may be able to communicate their thoughts and feelings with you.

Another benefit of adopting an older child is that they often have a greater understanding of what is happening and can participate in the adoption process in a more meaningful way. This can include meeting prospective parents and having input into the decision-making process. This can help the child feel more empowered and in control during a time of transition and change.

When adopting a child with a disability or complex needs, the needs of the child will have already been identified, so the degree of uncertainty associated with adopting a child will be significantly reduced. However, children with a disability can wait 11 months longer for their forever family.

Adopting a child with a disability or complex needs can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With the proper education, support, and preparation, you can provide a loving and nurturing home for a child who needs it most.

Ethnic minority children can find themselves waiting 3 months longer to be adopted. One of the primary considerations when adopting an ethnic minority child is the importance of cultural competence. This means having an understanding and appreciation for the child’s racial and cultural heritage, and being able to incorporate this into their daily lives. Adoptive parents may need to educate themselves on the child’s cultural traditions and customs, and ensure that they are providing a supportive and affirming environment for their child.

Ethnic minority children may face discrimination and racism in their lives. Adoptive parents should be prepared to address this issue and provide their child with the tools and support they need to navigate these challenges. This may involve having conversations about race and racism, seeking out resources and support networks, and advocating for their child in various settings.

When adopting an ethnic minority child, it’s important to be aware of the impact that transracial adoption can have on the child’s sense of identity and belonging. Adoptive parents should be prepared to address this by connecting them with role models and mentors from their own racial or ethnic community, and creating opportunities for them to explore and celebrate their racial identity.

Whilst ideally children would be matched with an adoptive family who matches their ethnicity, this is not always possible and we support transracial adoption. Transracial adoption can have a positive impact on how we see and perceive the world and creates a deeper awareness and acceptance of racial and cultural diversity.

If you are considering adopting more than one child, adopting siblings can have several advantages for both the siblings themselves and for yourself. Despite the advantages, siblings make up the largest number of children that wait longer to be adopted and can wait 11 months longer to be adopted.

Although adopting siblings can be more challenging than adopting a single child, with the proper support and resources, adopting siblings can be a rewarding experience for both the adoptive family and the children.

Many people considering adoption hope to adopt a baby. However, there are currently more adoptive families waiting for babies and children under 3 than there are in need of adoption. 

Whilst adopting a baby in the UK is still possible you will need to consider the length of time you would be willing to wait for a baby, as well as how you are going to stand out amongst the other adopters, which often means gaining extra experience and knowledge to support your application. 

When thinking of adopting a child it is crucial that you consider your own capabilities and preferences and you should never feel pressured into matching with a certain child. Our adoption social workers are here to support you in finding the right child for your family.

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