英格兰的收养程序
在英格兰收养孩子的分步指南。
概述
Adoption is a legal process that permanently transfers parental responsibility from a child's birth parents to the adoptive parents. It is governed by the Adoption and Children Act 2002. The welfare of the child throughout their life is the court's paramount consideration. The process is managed by local authority adoption services or voluntary adoption agencies.
逐步流程
Make an Enquiry
Contact your local authority adoption team or a voluntary adoption agency. They will provide information and invite you to an information event.
Registration of Interest
If you wish to proceed, submit a registration of interest. The agency will carry out initial checks (DBS, medical, references).
Assessment (Stage 1 and Stage 2)
Stage 1: background checks, training, and preparation (up to 2 months). Stage 2: a social worker assesses your suitability through home visits, interviews, and a prospective adopter's report (up to 4 months).
Approval by Adoption Panel
The adoption panel reviews your assessment and recommends whether to approve you as a prospective adopter. The agency decision-maker makes the final approval decision.
Matching
Once approved, the agency works to find a suitable child. You receive information about potential matches and meet the child's social worker and foster carer.
Placement
The child is placed with you. A period of settling in follows, with social worker visits and support.
Adoption Order
You apply to the court for an adoption order. Once granted, you become the child's legal parent with full parental responsibility. The child's birth certificate is replaced.
费用
重要警告
The process typically takes 6–12 months from initial enquiry to placement.
Birth parents can consent to adoption or the court can dispense with consent if the child's welfare requires it (s.52 Adoption and Children Act 2002).