Like all other people that have successfully gone on to adopt - you will undoubetedly have a lot of questions about the process.
Below we have provided you with answers to seven of the most common
questions we get asked. At the end is a link to a page with answers to
over 30 more commonly asked questions.
If you still have more questions, give us a call. We’re here to help. You are welcome to call us as many times as you want, no matter how trivual it may seem to you - your call is important to us: (0116) 299 5899
1. Can I adopt if I am 40 or older?
Yes. There are no hard and
fast rules about upper age limits. People of all ages can, and do,
successfully adopt. You do have to be over 21 though. We are looking for
people who can provide a stable home for a child, or children,
throughout their childhood and beyond.
2. Can I adopt if I have children of my own?
Yes. Many people
successfully parent both birth and adoptive children together. Usually
we would only place an adoptive child, or children, who is younger then
your birth child by at least two years. We particularly want to hear
from people interested in sibling groups.
3. Can I adopt if I don't live in Leicester itself?
Yes. We are looking for
people wanting to adopt who live in the East Midlands region. And,
occasionally slightly beyond. You should live within reasonable
travelling distance of Leicester City Centre for training, meetings,
introductions etc.
Areas where we are looking for adopters >>
4. Can I adopt if I am single, or living with somebody but not married?
Yes. We welcome
applications from all people regardless of their relationship status. We
have approved single adopters and unmarried couples. The Adoption and
Children Act allows unmarried couples and couples who have formed a
civil partnership to apply to legally adopt
.
5. Can I adopt if have had, or having fertility treatment?
Yes. Ideally should have
finished your last cycle of treatment, and we ask that you have left a
gap of at least six months before considering the adoption process. BUT
if you are currently undergoing, or have just finished treatment, we’d
be glad to talk to you.
6. Can I adopt if I smoke?
Yes. However we are unable
to place a child under the age of five with anybody that smokes. We’d
obviously prefer you to give up smoking for the health benefits to you
and the child. If you do want to quit - we can provide details of where
to go to get help.
7. Can I adopt if I'm gay or lesbian?
Yes. We are committed to
equality of opportunity and therefore we are primarily interested in the
skills and ability that you have to offer. It's people who can provide a
stable home for a child, or children, throughout their childhood and
beyond we'd like to here from
Other very common questions we get asked are...
Q: How long does it all take? I have heard it can take a long time! Why?
Q: Why do we have to wait so long when you are desperate to place children?
For the answers to questions like these, why not take a look at the
adoption process time-line and learn more about the process and what's
involved:
The adoption process & timescales explained >>
More answeres to adoption questions...
On the next page have provided even more answers to some of the other questions people ask all the time, just click the link below:
Answers to over 30 more commonly asked adoption questions >>
Still have more questions?
If you are unsure about anything, give us a call. We’re here to help:
(0116) 299 5899
