What is Adoption?

AforA_testIMG

Providing new families for children

Adoption is a way of providing new families for children who cannot be brought up by their biological parents or in their extended family.

It is a legal procedure in which parental responsibility is transferred to the adopters.  Once an Adoption Order has been granted, it cannot be reversed.  An adopted child loses all legal ties with their birth parent(s) and becomes a full member of the adoptive family, usually taking the family’s name.

Adoption is a lifelong commitment and, while bringing many challenges, it is hugely rewarding. If you believe you are able to help a child waiting for a new family, Adopters for Adoption will help you decide whether adoption is for you. Please take the time to find our further information on our website, including Frequently Asked Questions, Statement of Purpose and the Reading and Resources List.

What is the difference between adoption and fostering?

Adoption is a legal process by which a child becomes a full member of a new family, with the adoptive parents assuming all parental responsibilities. Parents of a child in foster care still hold parental responsibility; this is only removed when an Adoption Order is made.

While some children live with their foster family for many years, for others it is a more temporary arrangement. Where it isn’t possible to reunite a child with their family they may move on to be adopted or move into a long term foster placement.

Get in touch

If you’d like to find out more information or if you have any questions, please get in touch with our friendly enquiries team who will be happy to help. Click here to complete our online enquiry form, email us at contactus@adoptersforadoption.com or call us on 0800 5877 791.

Adopters for Adoption Limited, is registered company in England and Wales under company registration number 8689629, with the registered office - Malvern View, Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4AD.

© Adopters for Adoption 2025

Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information.Find out more.