Adopting a child is something that is very rewarding for both the child and the adoptive parents. However, it is also a process which can take quite some time and can be stressful, as it is important that all of the necessary processes are followed and that the child’s welfare comes first.
There are lots of parts to the adoption process, and all of these are to make sure that the child and also the parents are supported throughout, as well as ensuring that the whole process is done legally.
Adoption is also something that differs from fostering – when people are fostering a child, they are caring for them on a temporary basis, and the parents are still considered the child’s parents in the eyes of the law. When you adopt a child however, you legally become that child’s parent, which is why the process needs to be completed correctly. Many children that have been put up for adoption will have had a disruptive start to life, so it is even more important that the process is done correctly with the child’s best interests as a priority.
The first steps for adoption for people who are wanting to adopt, usually mean meeting with a social worker. They will be your main point of contact and as well as being able to do the required checks they will also be there to offer you support and advice and answer any questions that you may have throughout the process.
The legal side also needs to be done properly, so you will need a family law solicitors like this family law solicitors Gloucester based firm deeandgriffin.co.uk/services/family-law who will be able to work with you throughout the process. The law around adoption is governed by the adoption and children act 2002 and it is in place to remove the parental responsibility from the parents and then to transfer it to the new parents. Once this has been done it is no different in the eyes of the law to having your own child, and the parental responsibility will be in the adoptive parents names.
Although the birth parents then have no legal connection to the children, many children who have been adopted can be naturally curious at some point in their lives and want to find out about their birth parents. When they are 18, they can request information about their birth family. This can be an emotional and complex situation for all involved, so it is a good idea to seek support and guidance from a social worker, as well as having mental health support for you and the child from a professional.