Adoption - Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

1. Who can become an adopter?
2. Can I adopt if I live in rented accommodation?
3. I'm 50 – am I too old to adopt?
4. I'm not married – can I adopt?
5. Can I adopt if I'm in a same sex relationship?
6. What if I have a health issue?
7. Can I adopt if I smoke?
8. I'm out of work – can I still adopt?
9. Can I continue to work?
10. My partner and I have been trying to have a baby through IVF. We've got our last attempt next month and have decided not to try again. Where do we stand in relation to adoption?
11. If I already have a child of my own, can I still adopt?
12. Although we want to adopt we haven't got lots of child care experience though we do babysit for my two god children aged 6 and 8 every three to four months. Are we still able to adopt?
13. Can I adopt if I have a criminal conviction?

Answers

1. Q. Who can become an adopter?
   A. Adopters are needed from many different backgrounds and family structures. Prospective adopters will be welcomed by Worcestershire County Council's Adoption Agency and treated with respect and fairness throughout.
   
   People who have adopted through Worcestershire County Council are all a diverse group – we are looking for people who are:
   
   
   • Over 21
   • Married, single or in a partnership, including a same sex relationship.
   • Any ethnic origin
   • In or out of work
   • Practising a religion, or not
   • Disabled or non-disabled
   • Living in their own home or rented accommodation, but must have a spare bedroom available
   
   At this point in time we are unable to process applications from potential adopters who have birth children under 4 years old. Exceptions will be made for 2nd time adopters. This decision has been based around the needs of the children who are currently awaiting adoption - who are always our priority.
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2. Q. Can I adopt if I live in rented accommodation?
   A. You can adopt whether you are renting or own your own home – as long as you have a spare bedroom available for the child. A secure and stable environment is of utmost importance for adopted children.
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3. Q. I'm 50 – am I too old to adopt?
   A. The youngest age at which you can adopt is 21: there is no upper age limit. However the recommendation is that there are no more than 45 years between the youngest applicant (if you are part of a couple) and the age of the child.
   
   You will need energy and stamina to keep up with the child or young person placed with you. People of all ages can, and do successfully adopt.
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4. Q. I'm not married – can I adopt?
   A. Yes - you can adopt whether you are single, living with a partner or divorced.
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5. Q. Can I adopt if I'm in a same sex relationship?
   A. Yes - Worcestershire County Council encourages all sections of the community to become adoptive parents and is committed to equality of opportunity.
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6. Q. What if I have a health issue?
   A. Anyone who applies to adopt will need to have a medical assessment. Any medical issues that arise will be taken into consideration and the adoption panel's medical adviser will make recommendations on your suitability.
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7. Q. Can I adopt if I smoke?
   A. Worcestershire County Council's policy states that children should not be placed in a smoking household when they are under 5 years old, disabled or suffering from heart disease, glue ear or respiratory problems such as asthma. Guidelines state that an individual cannot be classed as a non-smoker until they have been given-up for a minimum of 12 months.
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8. Q. I'm out of work – can I still adopt?
   A. Yes – we welcome people from all backgrounds, regardless of their employment or financial status. 
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9. Q. Can I continue to work?
   A. Yes – just as long as you can provide time and space as these are important to a child. We would expect adoption leave to be taken when a child is placed with you, to help ensure that your child has the best chance to settle into your family.
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10. Q. My partner and I have been trying to have a baby through IVF. We've got our last attempt next month and have decided not to try again. Where do we stand in relation to adoption?
    A. Although you might not realise or accept it at the moment, the experience of unsuccessful IVF can bring deep emotional reactions. Given that the adoption process is in itself very stressful, emotional and requires people to be able to think wholeheartedly about the needs of children, we advise prospective applicants to allow themselves the time to come to terms with their loss and their decision to stop all treatments. Applicants who have taken the time out have recognised with hindsight the great benefit of having allowed themselves time to grieve and really think through their decision to consider adoption. For some, adopting a child will never replace the birth child they hoped to have.
    
    We recommend that applicants are kind to themselves and give themselves on average a minimum of 6 months before enquiring about adoption - but this would vary depending on individual circumstances. It would be unlikely that we would take up your enquiry earlier than 6 months as we would want to be sure that you have come to terms with your situation.
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11. Q. If I already have a child of my own, can I still adopt?
    A. Yes – we actively encourage people with parenting experience. Your children will be included in the assessment process, as it is important to ensure adoption is right for the whole family. However, at this point in time we are unable to process applications from potential adopters who have birth children under 4 years old. Exceptions will be made for 2nd time adopters. This decision has been based around the needs of the children who are currently awaiting adoption - who are always our priority. If you want to discuss this in more detail, please contact us on the telephone number below.
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12. Q. Although we want to adopt we haven't got lots of child care experience though we do babysit for my two god children aged 6 and 8 every three to four months. Are we still able to adopt?
    A. We value any child care experience that adoption enquirers have but ask all applicants to have had recent child care experience of unrelated children who are similar in age to the children they want to consider adopting. It is important for adopters to be able to demonstrate their abilities in caring for and communicating with children as our assessment of them is largely evidence based.
    
    If enquirers do not have any relevant child care experience we ask them to seek it out by volunteering with either nurseries, schools or community activities. Not only does this experience provide evidence of skills and abilities but enables prospective adopters to grow in confidence and build on their knowledge of children's needs
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13. Q. Can I adopt if I have a criminal conviction?
    A. People with minor convictions can adopt a child or children, but much depends on the seriousness of the offence, how long ago the crime was committed and how you have lived your life since. People with convictions for violent or sexual offences against children will not be considered as adopters.
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