Adoption Barometer 2026: the early stages (England) Prospective adopters continue to be largely positive about their experiences of the approvals process. Although many experienced delays including those caused by problems obtaining paperwork, new adoptive parents in 2025 were more likely than those in 2024 to feel positive about the matching process and the way that their introductions were handled. Statement UK wide England My approvals process ran smoothly and with no delays. 39% 39% My social worker understood and supported me during the approvals process. 88% 87% I feel that everything possible was done to find the right match for me and my adopted child. 85% 84% I feel as though I was given all the information I needed about my child before they moved in. 77% 77% The approvals process prepared me well for becoming an adoptive parent. 71% 69% Our introductions were handled well and ran smoothly. 78% 80% I have a written adoption support plan in place. 38% 38% I received life story materials by or soon after the adoption order. 58% 57% What went well? “The opportunity to meet adoptees and other adopters was most helpful.” “Previously looked after children having school places automatically offered even when the school is full is very helpful as children are often placed in the middle of the school year.” “My current social worker is amazing, kind, compassionate and supportive. She has great communication which goes a long way during an emotional process.” What could be improved? “I think people who are adopting should get the same right to paid time for training/appointments as those who are having a biological child.” “Early permanence is not well supported. The normal rulebook doesn’t apply and people don’t really know how to support.” “We need accurate and up-to-date information about how long the process will take. The timeframes are extremely misleading on the website.” Prospective adopters report having increasing difficulties in obtaining essential paperwork, such as medicals and DBS checks, in a timely fashion. In 2018, 27% reported delays caused by difficulties obtaining paperwork but in 2025, this was 38%. “We had a long period after linking and before matching with no clear communication of the rationale. This was delayed due to the failure to obtain a new adoption medical (necessary because of the length of the original delay).” Long delays are a serious issue as they are a contributing factor to prospective adopters saying they considered dropping out of the process. In 2024, 62% of those who experienced delays considered stopping the process, compared to 50% of those whose approvals ran without delays. Back to England overview Manage Cookie Preferences