Fostering for Adoption

This month, Together for Adoption are exploring a different route to adoption, Fostering for Adoption.

Fostering for Adoption places a child in the care of approved adopters, who receive temporary status as foster carers. During the fostering stage of the process the court will evaluate what the child’s best interest is long term, and if the court agrees that the child should be adopted and the match is approved by Together for Adoption, the fostering placement becomes an adoption family for the child.

There are benefits of choosing this route of adoption including:

• Limiting the amount of placement moves that a child has
• Reducing significant losses they may experience through foster care
• Bonding sooner with the child
• Potentially adopting sooner than the usual route if the plan is successful

However, you will also need to consider the uncertainty you may experience while you wait for the court and agency to make a decision. Together for Adoption will be there to support you throughout this process and will discuss the different adoption routes to ensure you choose the right placement for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much information will I receive about the child?

You will receive all relevant information about the child. However, it is important to understand that there will also be a lot of uncertainties for babies in relation to their health and development. We may have limited information due to the age of the child.

Will the child have contact with their birth family during the fostering period?

Yes, during the fostering stages contact can be very important for the parents and the child. You may be asked to bring the child for contact with members of the birth family at a supervised contact centre. Any arrangements for contact must be centred on the child’s needs.

Will I get any support as a Fostering for Adoption carer?

Yes, you will have a supervising fostering worker, an adoption worker and the child will have a social worker.

Will I have the opportunity to meet other Fostering for Adoption carers?

Yes, Together for Adoption is currently developing a Fostering for Adoption support group, where adopters can access peer support.

Will I receive fostering allowance? 

Yes, all Fostering for Adoption parents receive a fostering allowance until the point of being matched as an adopted family. 

Will I be able to take adoption leave when a child is placed under Fostering for Adoption?

Yes, adoption leave is recognised from the beginning of the Fostering for Adoption placement.

You can find out more by attending our virtual information sessions or by contacting our friendly team.