Adoption Barometer 2026: the early stages (Northern Ireland) Prospective adopters continue to be largely positive about their experiences of the approvals process. Fewer respondents reported their approvals process taking 18 months or longer than in 2024, and fewer reported that the process seemed so difficult they wondered if they could continue. Statement UK wide Northern Ireland My approvals process ran smoothly and with no delays. 39% 40% * My social worker understood and supported me during the approvals process. 88% 82% * I feel that everything possible was done to find the right match for me and my adopted child. 85% 88% * I feel as though I was given all the information I needed about my child before they moved in. 77% 75% * The approvals process prepared me well for becoming an adoptive parent. 71% 88% * Our introductions were handled well and ran smoothly. 78% 88% * I have a written adoption support plan in place. 38% 0% * I received life story materials by or soon after the adoption order. 58% 0% * * fewer than 20 respondents were eligible to answer the relevant question. What went well? “Having a good social worker really helps a lot.” “Online training courses via Adoption UK.” “We had brilliant support for narrative work and play therapy from our child’s social worker.” What could be improved? “Our children had two years in foster care with no professional support like play therapy . . . if support had been given earlier it would have been easier for them.” “Although things moved forward quickly once we were assigned a social worker there were significant delays prior to this due to staff shortages.” “We need more step-by-step information available online and information about services available to support the child in different areas.” “The process doesn’t need to take anywhere near as long as it does.” The vast majority (88%) of newly-approved adopters agreed that they felt listened to, understood and supported during the matching process and that everything possible was done to find the right match between child and adoptive family. Introductions were well handled in most cases, although some felt that more flexibility to change plans when unexpected challenges arose would be helpful. “Transitions should be more child focused. When not going as smoothly as anticipated it might be better to cut it short.” Back to Northern Ireland overview Manage Cookie Preferences