Types of adoption

There are several different types of adoption, falling within two main categories. Agency adoption involves children who are being looked after by the Local Authority. Non-Agency adoptions are those involving children who are not in our care, for example children being adopted by their relatives or step-parents.

Kent County Adoption Service is involved in all cases involving Kent children or Kent-based adopters, but to a varying degree depending on the type of adoption.

Agency Adoptions

• Adopting a child in foster care
  These children have often had a difficult early start in life, perhaps even experiencing abuse or neglect. Most will be at least two years old. Some may have brothers or sisters and need to stay together. Some may have health or medical problems, or delayed development.
• Concurrency Scheme
  This involves fostering a baby (0-2 years) with a view to adopting.

Non-Agency Adoptions

• Intercountry (Overseas) adoption
  Anyone in Kent wishing to adopt a child from overseas (even if a relative) must first be approved as suitable by Kent Children's Social Services. This process will involve a payment of a fee. The Department for Children, Schools & Families (DCSF) must then issue a Certificate of Eligibility, before the application can proceed to the overseas country. It is a criminal offence to bring a child into the UK for adoption without first having gone through this process.
• Step-parent adoption
  If you are the partner of a birth parent you can apply to adopt the birth parents' child. This can be done as a couple with the birth parent or individually. You will need to demonstrate that you have an enduring relationship with the child's birth parent. The birth parent must be at least 18 years old and the step-parent 21 or older. The child must be at least 18 weeks old. A full assessment will be undertaken by the County Adoption Service Adoption Teams on behalf of the Court. Find out more details
• Adoption by relatives
  Applicant(s) must be at least 21 years old but can be single - or married and applying jointly. The child must be at least 19 weeks old. A full assessment must be undertaken by the County Adoption Service on behalf of the Court.