Choosing an adoption agency

In most parts of the UK there are different types of adoption agencies – those that are part of local councils (Local authorities), regional adoption agencies (RAA) and voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs) such as charities. Local councils/authorities have children in their care and VAAs work with them to help place the children. 

In Northern Ireland there are five local Health and Social Care trusts and several voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs). 

In Wales there are five regional adoption collaboratives and two Voluntary Adoption Agencies who recruit, train, assess and support adopters. 

In Scotland there are 32 local authorities and 4 voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs)  

VAAs recruit and assess prospective adopters. They create matches for children who are in the care of the state and are then paid by the local authority/council/HSC to cover their costs. No profit is made. Some VAAs are regionally based whereas others are national and will help place children from across the country.   

Neither local authorities, councils, trusts nor VAAs charge for their services to prospective parents from within the UK, though there are charges for those who wish to adopt children from abroad.  

All adoption agencies have trained social workers to guide you through the adoption application process. They also run information meetings and training.   

All adoption agencies are subject to strict regulatory control and inspections. 

Although you can only formally apply to adopt a child with one agency, you can contact a variety during the initial stages of your adoption journey. 

The adoption process can take some time and it’s important that you’re comfortable with your chosen agency. It can be worthwhile contacting several agencies to compare the services they offer and if possible, to meet the team. It’s worth taking into consideration ease of travel to events such as preparation courses and training. You can contact agencies through their website or by telephone. They’ll send you information and may invite you to an information session. At this early stage it’s beneficial to carry out some research of your own to help you decide if adoption is right for you.  

An agency is not obliged to proceed with your enquiry if they don’t think you’d match the needs of the children they’re trying to find families for. If an agency informs you, they’re not going to proceed with your enquiry, you can approach other agencies.  

If you and the agency agree to continue, the agency will provide you with an application form. Once you’ve registered your interest then the formal approval process will begin.