Adoption: change a child's life

Questions and answers

Lots of people have thought as hard as you about adoption. Here are some common questions they've asked, and answers that might help you.

Can I adopt a child?
All sorts of people make a success of adoption. Find out if you could adopt.

What sort of children?
Nearly 100 Manchester children need families and parents to give them a vital chance of a better life. Find out more about the children.

What's involved?
Adoption is a big step, with a detailed process to follow. See what's involved.

How much time would I have to take off work?
We expect you (or at least one of you if you're in a couple) to take at least six-months off work to allow the child time to settle in. You are legally entitled to adoption leave, but check with your employers to find out your entitlement.

What experience do I need?
Although you don't need parenting or childcare experience to adopt a child, it can certainly help. But even if you are a parent, you'll find adoption quite different. We'll explain more at one of our three-day adoption preparation groups.

How am I matched with a child to adopt?
Once you are approved we will look for a child for you from the children waiting in Manchester. We can also refer you to Adoption 22, a group of north west councils, and to the National Adoption Register.

What if I've got a criminal offence?
Anyone who has committed crimes against children or certain other serious crimes can not adopt. We will talk to you about the implications of any other unspent offences.

What if I've lived aboard?
If you have lived aboard in the last 10 years, we will carry out police checks where you lived and take up additional references.

Do I need a medical?
Yes, you will need a medical by your GP. If you have a serious or chronic medical condition you should have a medical before you go too far down the adoption process..

Do children have to be told they are adopted?
Yes. Adopted children have the right to know why they were adopted, however upsetting. It is important that you are open and honest no matter how hard you find it. We will help you with this.

What about the child's birth parents? What rights do they have?
When you adopt a child, all rights and responsibilities transfer to you. Birth parents cannot ask for him or her back, and do not have a right to meet or visit the child.

Will the child have contact with family members?
Adopted children have experienced serious losses, compounded by the care and court process. They want to lose as few people as possible.

So it can be important for a child to maintain some contact with other members of their birth-family. This helps them maintain relationships, promotes the child's identity and helps them deal with losses they have experienced.

What sort of contact?
Contact includes annual letters between you and birth-parents (through our 'Letterbox' service). This can reassure give your son or daughter a realistic view of their birth-parents, and reassure them that they are well.

It can include your child meeting their brothers or sisters, who may also be adopted, or other members of their extended birth-family, once or twice a year.

We will discuss a child's need for contact before you are matched with them, and ask you to sign an agreement to the contact.

See more about this in our adoption information pack.