An adoption order is granted by a court when they
believe it's appropriate for a family to take on full parental
responsibility for a child, and to be considered as their
permanent, legal parents.
This will follow an application to the court by the adopters,
supported by their social worker and the social worker for the
child.
It is likely both you and the child will
need significant time to settle down together before thinking
about making such an application.
Legal complexities may also influence the timing of your order
application to the court.
The child's social worker will visit you regularly during this
period advising you about when and how to apply for an adoption
order.
Once the order is made you will be issued with an adoption
certificate in your child's new name replacing their original birth
certificate.
Even after an adoption has been made legal with an order our
support is still available through our Adoption Support
Services.
For further information please contact
our Adoption Team
