Adopting a newborn baby in the UK is possible, but it is a complex and structured process. Many prospective parents hope to adopt a newborn, but due to the nature of the adoption process, most children available for adoption are slightly older. However, there are pathways that may lead to adopting a newborn, particularly through early permanence placements.
If you are considering adoption in Cardiff or anywhere in the UK, it is important to understand the formal process involved, the role of a social worker, and what to expect as a prospective adopter.
How Does Adoption of a Newborn Work?
In the UK, babies are rarely placed for adoption at birth. The adoption journey usually starts when a voluntary adoption agency or local authority finds a child who needs a forever home.
Most children who are adopted come from backgrounds where their birth parents couldn’t care for them. Some children enter the system at birth, if there are concerns around parental rights due to neglect or substance misuse. In these cases a baby may be placed with foster carers while decisions are made about their -life.
Early Permanence
One of the main ways to adopt a newborn is through early permanence. This is a fostering-to-adopt scheme where a prospective adopter becomes a foster carer for the baby while the courts decide on the child’s future. If the court grants an adoption order the child stays with the foster carers as their new family. But there’s always a chance the baby will be returned to their birth parents or placed with relatives.
The Process
Adopting any child in the UK, including a newborn baby involves a formal process to ensure the child is placed in a safe, stable and loving home.
1. Contact an Adoption Agency
First prospective parents need to get in touch with an adoption agency, which can be a local authority or voluntary adoption agency. They will explain the whole process and tell you about eligibility.
2. Initial Assessment and Training
You will be assigned an adoption social worker who will do an adoption assessment to see if you’re suitable. This involves talking about your background, family situation, motivations and ability to meet a child’s needs. Training sessions will help you understand the legal process, the challenges and the lifelong commitment of adoption.
3. Approval
Once the assessment is complete your application goes to an adoption approval panel. If approved you become a prospective adopter and can be matched with a child. This is a big stage as the agency will find the right child for you.If a newborn or younger child is available and matches your circumstances you will be introduced to them gradually. A social worker will oversee the transition into your new family.
5. The Adoption Order
After a child has been with you for at least 10 weeks you can apply for an adoption order. This gives you full legal rights and responsibilities as the child’s legal parent. Once granted the child is part of your family.
Who Can Adopt?
Adoption in the UK is open to everyone. You can adopt whether you are single, married, in a civil partnership or in a same-sex relationship. Agencies look for people who can provide stability and care for a child not specific family structures.
Adoption Requirements:
- You must be over 21 years old.
- There is no upper age limit but there should be a realistic age gap between you and the child.
- You must have a stable, secure home.
- You should have no serious criminal record (though minor offences are not a barrier).
Can You Adopt if You Already Have Children?
Yes, many adoptive parents already have birth children. However agencies will consider how an adopted child will fit into your existing family dynamic. If you have older siblings it’s important they are prepared for the changes an adopted younger child will bring.
What if You Want to Adopt a Sibling Group?
Sometimes babies have older siblings who also need to be adopted. In these cases agencies may look for prospective adopters who will adopt a sibling group to keep the children together.
What if Birth Parents Want Contact?
In some cases contact with birth parents may be encouraged depending on what’s best for the child adopted. This could be indirect (letters, photos) or in rare cases direct meetings. But once an adoption order is granted the child’s birth parents no longer have legal rights over the child.
Final thoughts
Adopting a newborn baby in the UK is unusual. Most babies entering the system will be placed through early permanence before the adoption is finalised. If you are thinking of adopting, research, speak to an adoption agency and be prepared for the big decision.
The adoption journey can be tough but it’s worth it. Whether you adopt a newborn or an older child, giving a loving home to a child in need can change lives – yours and theirs.
