Adoption
Adoption FAQs
- When we are approved to adopt, will a child be placed with us straight away?
- If we adopt what support will we receive?
- I want to be considered to adopt but I am over 40.
- I want to be considered to adopt but I'm not married
- I want to be considered to adopt but I am unemployed.
- I want to be considered to adopt but I work full-time.
- I want to be considered to adopt but I don't own my home
- Can you adopt if you are gay/lesbian?
- I want to be considered to adopt but I have a disability and/or health problem.
- I want to be considered to adopt but I have a criminal conviction
- I want to be considered to adopt but I already have children of my own.
- I want to be considered to adopt but I don't live in the UK
- I want to be considered to adopt but I don't live in South Tyneside
- When we are approved to adopt, will a child be placed with us straight away?
No. However, your adoption officer will keep in touch with you and let you know about children who need families. We often place children from other areas of the country with adopters approved by the South Tyneside Council Adoption Panel.
It's worth remembering that it is not just a question of who is at the top of the list, but which child or children "fit" best with an individual or family. This can lead to frustration, but getting the right 'match' is absolutely crucial.
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- If we adopt what support will we receive?
Once you have become an approved adopter, your adoption officer will keep in regular touch with you. After adopting, you may be paid an allowance, depending on the child's needs.
Bringing up an adopted child is not always easy and from time to time you may need support or advice. Our aim is that you will continue to be supported for as long as you need to be following the adoption.
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- I want to be considered to adopt but I am over 40.
We do not operate an upper age limit, but you would need to be fit and healthy enough to see a child in your care safely into adult life. The youngest age at which you can adopt is 21.
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- I want to be considered to adopt but I'm not married
Single people and unmarried couples can adopt a child.
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- I want to be considered to adopt but I am unemployed.
We approve people from every walk of life regardless of employment or financial status.
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- I want to be considered to adopt but I work full-time.
This need not be a problem - many parents work full time. What is important is that you have the space and time to meet a child's needs.
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- I want to be considered to adopt but I don't own my home
- This makes no difference at all, just show us that you have enough room to care for a child in a safe and secure environment.
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- Can you adopt if you are gay/lesbian?
The council is firmly committed to equality of opportunity. We are primarily interested in the skills and ability that you have to offer and not your sexuality.
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- I want to be considered to adopt but I have a disability and/or health problem.
This need not be a problem. If you are disabled or have a medical condition, we will take these factors into consideration during the assessment process, and make recommendations accordingly.
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- I want to be considered to adopt but I have a criminal conviction
If you have a criminal record or have been cautioned, you may still be able to adopt a child. Much depends on the seriousness of the offence, how long ago the crime was committed and how you have lived your life since. People with convictions for violent or sexual offences against children cannot adopt or foster.
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- I want to be considered to adopt but I already have children of my own.
This would not stop you from adopting. However, your own children would be included in the assessment process.
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- I want to be considered to adopt but I don't live in the UK
You must have had legal residency in the UK for at least one year before applying to adopt a British child. This includes British citizens and residents of the Republic of Ireland.
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- I want to be considered to adopt but I don't live in South Tyneside
We welcome applications from people who live outside the borough.
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