Inter-Country Adoption is where a resident in one country adopts a child from another country. The child moves legally and permanently from their birth family to another family.
The Islington Adoption Service offers a range of services to Islington residents who want to adopt a child from abroad:
Inter-country adoption assessments
Counselling
Support after placement
Help with contact arrangements (if any)
Inter-Country Adopters
England and Wales have the same standards for all people wanting to adopt, whether inter-country or domestic. Each overseas country has its own standards and guidelines on who is eligible to adopt a child from that particular country.
The Department of Health and the Overseas Adoption Helpline can provide more
information.
To apply for overseas adoption through Islington, you need to:
Be at least 21 years old
Live in Islington
Have the secure tenure of your home, which should be big enough for you to care for a child as they grow
Be in good health
Prove you can support the child financially
Have completed any chosen fertility treatment
Accept Islington’s equal opportunities policy
Commit to anti-discriminatory practices
To apply to adopt a child from abroad firstly decide which country you want to adopt a child from, then contact Islington Adoption Service. You will be able to talk with an adoption social worker in more detail about the process and things you will need to consider if you want to progress your application further.
If you decide this is for you, then your application will be sent to Norwood Adoption Agency, an organisation specialising in overseas adoption, that will work with you on Islington Councils behalf. They will ask you detailed questions about you, your life and your motivation for adopting a child from abroad and what your connections are with the chosen country. They will meet with you and take your application to the next stage.
Page Last Updated: 31 October 2008