header-logo header-logo

Pathways to adoption

21 January 2022 / Fiona Lyon
Issue: 7963 / Categories: Features , Family
printer mail-detail
69143
Fiona Lyon sets out the process for adopting both within the UK & overseas
  • The current procedure for adopting a child; eligibility criteria and the three-stage process to obtain agency approval.
  • Differing requirements and points to be aware of when considering adopting from another country.

Legal adoption has evolved in society in order to protect children. It is a way in which people can become parents, but the safety of the child comes first and foremost for all professionals working in this field. This concept was not always reflected in the relevant legislation.

The current law

The relevant legislation is the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (ACA 2002) and it was brought in to increase the numbers of people coming forward to adopt by providing a more supportive framework. ACA 2002 updated the existing law and brought it in line with the Children Act 1989.

This simplified the process, and ensured that the best interests of the child were addressed early on and that their welfare was treated as being paramount.

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
back-to-top-scroll