What are the requirements for adopting a child abroad?
Inter-country adoption requires prospective adoptive parents to comply with relevant legislation both in the country they are adopting from and the UK. As is the case with domestic adoption, inter-country adoption begins with a prospective parent contacting their local authority or adoption agency to request that they carry out an assessment of their suitability for adoption.
The outcome of the assessment is reviewed by the local authority adoption panel, which will forward all application materials to the Department for Education, along with a recommendation. If the prospective parent is successful, the department will issue a Certificate of Eligibility to Adopt. When this is complete, it is sent to the relevant authorities in the country that the person wishes to adopt from, where it will be checked.
If successful, the prospective parent will be placed on a waiting list to be matched with a child.
If the prospective parent is attempting to adopt from a country that has ratified the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoption or is on the UK’s Designated List, the adoption overseas will be recognised in the UK. If this is not the case, then the parent will need to "re-adopt" their child in the UK. In all cases, a visa will need to be obtained to bring the child to the UK.
Do you have any questions? Email them to clc@essex.ac.uk or call the Child Law Advice Line on 08088 020 008, The National Education Line on 0845 345 4345 or visit www.childrenslegalcentre.com
