Scotland - Adopt a Child in Scotland

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Procedure

Apply In-Person:

1. To Adopt a Child in Scotland, the applicant must first research and gather information about adoption centres in Scotland.
2. It's important to choose a reputable agency with experience in international adoption processes. The agency will guide the applicant through the adoption process and provide necessary support.
3. The applicant can select agency through the local council adoption team using the following link
4. The applicant must select their local area and the local council will provide the nearby agency details.
5. The applicant must participate in information sessions organized by his/her chosen adoption agency. These sessions will provide detailed information about the requirements, paperwork, costs, and timelines associated with adopting a child from abroad.
6. The applicant should complete the home study. This process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the suitable type of child to adopt. It typically includes background checks, interviews, home visits, and collection of necessary documentation. The purpose is to ensure that the applicant can provide a safe and nurturing environment for a child.
7. Submit the application to the respective adoption agency and relevant authorities expressing the intention to adopt a child from foster.
8. The applicant must pay the required fee as instructed by the agency.
9. Attach the required documents along with the application for while submitting to the authority.
10. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive permission to proceed with the adoption process.
11. The agency will provide information about available children and help you understand their background, medical history, and any special needs. The matching process involves assessing compatibility between prospective parents and the child.
12. Once all the required paperwork and legalities are completed, the applicant can bring the child home. The concerning agency will often visit to see how the child is settling into the family.
13. Once the post-placement visits are completed, the adoption agency will initiate legal proceedings to finalize the adoption in front of the court.
14. The processing time may vary depending on the agency, based on the conditions and specific circumstances of the application.

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Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Proof of identity (such as passports, birth certificates)
• Proof of residency (such as utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements)
• Medical reports
• Financial information
• References
• Home study report
• Criminal background checks
• Financial assessment
• Adoption agreement
• Any other documents (If required)

Office Locations & Contacts

UNITED KINGDOM LOCAL COUNCIL
Westminster
Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street,
London, SW1E 6QP
For assistance 0300 123 1837
Contact Details link
Local council Office link
Note: The applicant has to enter their Postcode to find nearby offices. If the applicant doesn’t know their postcode use the following link to find their postcode link link

Eligibility

• Must be 21 years or above
• Already a parent or not
• Any single or couple who wish to adopt a child is eligible to apply

Fees

• The fee required for the application can vary depending on the specific conditions and circumstances of the application.

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

• The processing time may vary depending on the agency, based on the conditions and specific circumstances of the application.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

Instructions

• The applicant must check with the agency if they will cover all the charges.
• Applicants must complete the application form before submitting it. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Applicants must provide genuine information while applying for this procedure.

Required Information

• Personal Information
• Name
• Address
• Family Background (names, age, etc.)
• Education and Employment background
• Health and Well-being
• Support Network
• Parenting Philosophy and Approach
• Financial status
• Personal references
• Professional references
• Home Study Assessment

Need for the Document

• This document is used as a legal permit to adopt a child from Scotland.
• It is necessary to apply in a formal manner, to maintain the rules and regulations of the country. This document stands as a proof for the adoption taking place.

Information which might help

• For more information link

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g., Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

Link

Others

If your application to adopt is rejected, the applicant can:

• Ask for a meeting with the adoption agency to find out why
• Write a letter to the agency asking them to change their decision and explaining why they should
• Use the agency's complaints procedure
• Complain to the care inspectorate.