Adoption Barometer 2026: the early stages (Scotland) Most new adopters were strongly positive about both their social worker support and the training they received during approvals, although two thirds did say the process at times seemed so difficult they wondered if they could continue. Most respondents were similarly positive about the matching process and around two thirds said they had received their child’s life journey materials and a written support plan. Statement UK wide Scotland My approvals process ran smoothly and with no delays. 39% 41% * My social worker understood and supported me during the approvals process. 88% 90% I feel that everything possible was done to find the right match for me and my adopted child. 85% 82% * I feel as though I was given all the information I needed about my child before they moved in. 77% 69% * The approvals process prepared me well for becoming an adoptive parent. 71% 73% * Our introductions were handled well and ran smoothly. 78% 67% * I have a written adoption support plan in place. 38% 63% * I received life story materials by or soon after the adoption order. 58% 63% * * fewer than 20 respondents were eligible to answer the relevant question. What went well? “I’m glad there is more movement towards maintaining contact with birth families.” “The individual social workers have been very supportive. The actual processes are cumbersome and need updating.” “The whole process encourages and creates friendships which are ultimately very helpful.” What could be improved? “All local authorities need to work to the same policies and practices. We are in a cross-authority adoption with another local authority and the difference in practice is staggering.” “The matching process is tough. It’s very disheartening when social workers just do not reply at all. Profiles are not taken down promptly and often you’re waiting weeks for a response if you get one at all.” “Speed up and streamline the process. It took a very long time to get to the stage of actually being matched with a child – nearly four years from initial enquiry to having a child in our care.” “Improve the time taken for legal issues to be addressed. We are currently waiting for a legal decision to be made. We have been waiting for months which is detrimental to everyone involved." Back to Scotland overview Manage Cookie Preferences