Adoption Myth Busting!

Adoption and the adoption process has evolved a lot in recent years, meaning that more people than ever can adopt! However, there are still a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings that still exist at the forefront of people’s thoughts when they think about adoption so, in this blog we have busted some of the most popular myths that still exist around adoption and the adoption process!  

I rent my home; so, I can’t adopt?

It doesn’t matter whether you rent or own your home we welcome your application. You just need the space in your home for an adopted child.

I work full time, so I won't be considered for adoption?

Your entitlement to Adoption leave is the same as maternity/ paternity to leave. So working full time will definitely not rule you out from the adoption process! It is generally expected that adopters take a period of adoption leave to help the child or children settle in and to feel safe & secure. There may be more flexibility if you adopt a primary school aged child who will go to school after a settling in period. So, if you’re thinking about adopting, we urge you to give us a call and talk to us. Some older children also attract an adoption support allowance which might also help.  

There is no support offered by the agencies. Once we've adopted, we'll be on our own without any help?

We talk a lot about supporting adopters every step of the way with your adoption journey. One of the ways we do this is through our own team of specialist, therapeutically trained, adoption support workers. These workers are there for families once they have been approved and matched with a child or children. Adoption Now is immensely proud of the support that we offer to our children and to our adopters, from training courses through to social events, we don’t just stop supporting you when your child or children are placed with you!

I live with my extended family, so I can't adopt?

Lots of people live with family members who offer a great deal of support to the adopters we work with. Everyone within the home will be fully included within an adoption assessment, looking at how you as a family can support an adopted child. Talk to us for further advice and guidance!

Because I have a mental health condition I won't be allowed to adopt?

Our priority is to find adopters who are able to meet the needs of the children who are waiting for their forever families, so having a mental health condition does not necessarily prevent you from becoming an adoptive parent. If there is anything that you want to ask us in relation to you starting your adoption journey then we highly encourage anyone who is thinking about adoption to pick up the phone and talk to us!

I can't adopt because I'm disabled?

Just because you have a disability it doesn’t mean that you can’t adopt. Our priority is to find adopters who are able to meet the needs of our children who are waiting for their forever families so we highly encourage you to talk to us about what your disability means for you and how you could support our children.

I’m too old to adopt!

At minimum you must be 21 years old in order to adopt however there is no upper age limit. We do have to take into consideration your health and lifestyle as we will expect you to be able to parent a child into adulthood and beyond.

I can't adopt because I'm LGBTQ+?

Here at Adoption Now we welcome your enquiry no matter what your sexuality or relationship status and would love to hear from you!

I’m single, I can’t adopt?

Did you know that you don’t have to be in a relationship to adopt? Around 10% of our adopters are single so you most definitely can adopt! In fact, some children find it more beneficial being adopted by one person!

Did you know that you don’t have to be married to adopt?

You don’t have to be married to adopt! As long as you can show that you and your partner are in a loving, stable relationship and have been living together for over a year BEFORE starting the adoption process then we will be able to accept your application.

Having a birth child will stop me from being able to adopt?

Having a birth child already can provide so many benefits throughout your adoption journey, however there is usually a minimum age gap of around 2 years between your birth child and an adopted child. But, as with anything come and talk to us! 

I’m worried about my finances so I can’t adopt?

We realise that finances are tight for many at the moment but don’t let that stop you talking to us. In some circumstances financial support can be made available.

We are always here to answer ANY questions that you may have, and if you didn’t find the answer in this blog or on our FAQ’s page then all you need to do is fill out our contact form with your questions and a member of our team will be only too happy to answer, by email or by phone!