How to adopt from foster care

Are you a current foster carer wondering how to adopt your foster child? It’s important to note that there is a big difference between fostering and adoption. Learn more about how to adopt from foster care from our detailed guide.

Can you adopt a foster child from care?

It is possible to adopt a foster child you’re taking care of – however, this process isn’t always as easy as you’d first imagine. You must first demonstrate you are eligible to adopt.

Adoption requirements

• You must be at least 21 years old
• You must have lived in the UK for a minimum of a year
• You must have a permanent home in the UK, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man (or your partner must)
• You must undergo a two-part assessment and preparation process

However, it should be noted that the adoption approval process is not the same as the foster care approval process. It can often take a while to become approved as adoptive parent, which is something that’s worth considering when applying to adopt.

How to adopt from foster care

If you meet the above criteria, and you’re still considering adoption from fostering, the first port of call is to contact your foster care service. Here at Excel, we will be able to provide you with the information required to inform you of whether you can adopt your foster child, and whether this is the right path for you and your family.

However, it should be noted that the main goal of fostering is not adoption. Fostering is primarily about helping restore the child in care back to their birth parents, if this is possible and appropriate. Fostering to adoption isn’t always an option – however, it does happen on occasion. The main difference between fostering and adoption is that, with fostering, the child still has all legal ties to their birth parents, and they have full legal responsibility over their child. However, as adoptive parents, you would now have full legal responsibility for the child.

How much does it cost to adopt from foster care?

In order to adopt, the Independent Adoption Panel will require from £4,000 – £,9000 for the adoption application. As well as this, you will also need to pay the Department of Education £885 to process your application, and provide a certificate of eligibility.

In contrast to foster care, adoption can be pretty expensive. The weekly foster care allowance can be on average between £400 – £600 per week per child, whereas the process to adopt can work out quite costly. This is why it should be understood thoroughly the financial implications of adopting from foster care. It should also be noted that if your salary exceeds £45,000 a year, the Department of Education fee will increase to £1,775.

For more information about how to adopt from foster care, or the adoption requirements, get in touch with a member of our helpful team today.