2021 EDITION

This book covers everything you need to know about adoption. It describes the processes involved in adopting a child, with a wealth of practical information. You can also read the stories of adopters from how it feels to go through the adoption process to what life as an adoptive family is really like.

The book provides answers to many of the questions you may be asking yourselves, such as:
•    Are there age limits to adopt?
•    Can I adopt a baby?
•    What about finances and housing?
•    What about adopting older children?
•    What will happen after I’ve contacted an adoption agency?
•    What about the birth family?

With over 60,000 copies already sold and now in its 11th edition, the guide reflects all current adoption legislation and guidance.

Read our Editor’s Exclusive

Every month we release a free chapter from one of our bestselling publications. For October, we are sharing the introduction and first chapter from Adopting a child. Read about 'children needing adoption'. This is the go-to book for any member of the public looking to adopt.

Read our free chapter

Who is this book for?

Anyone who is thinking about adopting a child in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

To find out about adopting in Scotland, see Adopting a child in Scotland.

What you will find in this book

This book covers:

•     The kinds of children who need new families
•     The reasons why people adopt children
•     What sort of people adoption agencies are looking for and why
•     How to go about it – including the legal aspects and the costs of adopting both in the UK and overseas
•     Intercountry adoption and adoption of stepchildren
•     What happens after adoption
•     How to find an agency to assess you

Jennifer Lord:
Jenifer Lord was a child placement consultant who worked for many years for BAAF. She is the author of The adoption process in England.