Frequently asked questions about adoption
Use the links below to find answers to the main questions people ask about adoption. If you have a question that you don't see here, please feel free to send it to us on adoption@nottscc.gov.uk if you are interested in becoming an adopter or support.afteradoption@nottscc.gov.uk for all other queries.
 I can’t afford to adopt. Can I get financial support?
Unlike fostering, people do not get paid for adopting children but they can receive support in other ways. It all depends on your circumstances. So if you are a low income family or on benefits, don’t worry that you might not be able to afford to adopt. Once we know all your circumstances, a decision will be made on what level of support we can offer you.
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Can I still adopt if I'm unemployed?
You certainly can adopt a child if you are unemployed. See above.
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I already have kids of my own but want to adopt more. Is that possible?
You could adopt if you have your own children but your youngest child would need to be at least two years older than the child you adopt. Or, of course, if you have older children who have now left home you would be able to adopt a child or children of any age.
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I’m gay and I want to adopt. Is that a problem?
No, it’s not a problem. We have several gay adopters and we are always keen to hear from gay people looking to adopt.
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How long does the adoption process take?
We have a separate page on this site all about the adoption assessment process.
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My partner and I are both working. Can we still adopt?
If the children you adopt are of school age, then as long as one of you can take them to school and pick them up, there shouldn’t be a problem. This may, of course, involve one of you reducing your working hours or giving up work if you can. At the time that you adopt your child, you are entitled to adoption leave which is now the same as maternity leave.
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What could prevent me from adopting?
Obviously, we would not place a child for adoption with anyone who has a serious criminal record or anyone who has committed offences against children, but otherwise there aren’t many barriers. We have a ‘no smacking’ policy which you must agree to adhere to and you would need to be in good health. If you smoke this will not automatically prevent you from being considered as a prospective adopter but we would discuss this with you. However, it is unlikely we would consider you for a child under five years old or with certain medical conditions. Finally, there is a thorough assessment and preparation programme which helps people to decide whether adoption is for them.
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What happens if it all goes wrong and we’re just incompatible or want to pull out?
Adopting a child is a major decision and has a big impact on your life, which is why we spend an enormous amount of effort preparing you so that you know exactly what is involved.
Throughout the process, you always have the element of choice – how many children, their ages, their gender, what level of special needs you can handle and so on. Of course, you can pull out at any stage, but the thoroughness of the preparation process we take you through should mean that you will know early on whether adoption is for you or not.
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I'm a birth relative, how do I go about tracing my adopted child?
Please go to the I am a birth relative page which explains the process.
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I'm an adopted adult and I want to look at my adoption file, how do I do this?
Please go to the page 'I want to access my adoption records' where you will find the answers you need.
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I want to ask some questions about my letterbox arrangement
You can read about the letterbox system operated by Support After Adoption on the Adoption Support page or you can contact SAA by calling 0115 978 7376 [Mon 9.30am-1.00pm, Tues 6.00pm-9.00pm, Thurs 1.00pm-4.00pm] or e-mailing support.afteradoption@nottscc.gov.uk
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We are an adoptive family, where can we get some help and meet other adoptive families?
If you are an adoptive parent, a grandparent or a brother or sister, Support After Adoption offers you various services once the adoption order has been made. Find out more at the My family have adopted page.
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I'm an adopted young person, how do I find out about meeting other young people?
Take a look at the I am adopted page which will give you details of the services run by Support After Adoption or call us, tell us what you need to know and we'll do all we can to help. Contact us on 0115 978 7376 [Mon 9.30am-1.00pm, Tues 6.00pm-9.00pm, Thurs 1.00pm-4.00pm] or e-mail: support.afteradoption@nottscc.gov.uk
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