Becoming a parent through adoption - is like any parenting - a costly business. If you are thinking about adopting a child you need to take into account the financial responsibility alongside the other changes in your life.
There are ways in which we can help ease the initial burden and provide some ongoing financial support, so that adopting a child does not place undue financial stress on your family.
We can offer financial support to adopters. Some of these are governed by legislation and depend on a combination of the child's needs and your financial circumstances.
We can help by:
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Giving you a grant to cover any items you need in the early stages of the placement such as equipment. This is a one-off payment.
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Paying reasonable expenses incurred during the introduction period, including travel costs and the costs of overnight stays where necessary, up to an agreed limit. You will be given full details nearer the time.
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After adoption, we can meet costs involved in continued direct contact with birth family members. This should be agreed as part of the contact agreement and would include travel costs and overnight stays if necessary.
What you can do
When a child is placed with you, it is usually important that you or your partner are at home with them full-time to provide the consistent care a child needs to form an attachment to you. So, you need to think about the following:
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If you are working and plan to leave work, are you preparing for the loss of income?
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If you intend taking time out of work, you can explore with your employer whether adoption leave will be available to you and under what terms. For example, how many days can you have and whether it will be paid or unpaid.
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If you intend taking unpaid leave, are there savings you can make now to prepare for this?
And remember, all prospective adopters can claim Child Benefit from the date of
placement of the child.
Adoption allowance
In some circumstances, you may also be eligible for an adoption allowance and your social worker will discuss this with you during your home study and again when a potential adoptive child is found.
The adoption allowance is paid according to legal regulations and we have by law to take into account the financial circumstances of the adopters and the needs of the child.
The Adoption Agency must approve the adoption allowance in each case.
If you are refused and feel you have been unfairly treated, you can appeal or make a complaint using the Agency's Complaints Procedure.