Adoption myths
In the UK 60,000 children are in care and last year only 3,300 of them were adopted.
Despite many people thinking that babies (under 1 year old) are the most popular age group to be adopted, the majority of children who are placed in families are actually older than nine and many have brothers and sisters who all need to be placed together.
Here are some other adoption myths and the truth behind them.
1. Single people or same-sex couples are not eligible to adopt
This isn't true. There's a lot of controversy, especially surrounding same-sex couples adopting, but whether you're gay, straight, single, married, divorced or cohabiting - it's not a barrier.
In Northern Ireland married couples have to have been wed for at least two years before they can adopt. If a couple is in a stable relationship but not married then one of them can apply to adopt as an individual.
2. There are age limits if you want to adopt
This one does have an element of truth in it. In England and Wales there are lower age limits for adopters but there are no upper ones. You must be over 21, but if one person in a couple is the child's birth parent then this is lowered to 18. In Northern Ireland, agencies expect there not to be more than a 45-year gap between the chld's age and at least one of the adoptive parents.
The only time age may make a difference is when the adoption agency is assessing if someone could cope with a child, but in these circumstances it would be the person's age as well as their health, which would be the consideration.
3. Disabled people or people who have medical conditions can't adopt
This one has an element of truth as well. Adoptive parents need the energy to cope with having a family so health does play a part. But having a disability, being overweight, smoking or having a medical condition doesn't automatically disqualify you from adopting.
4. You have to be rich or own your own home
This isn't true. Having enough space in your house for the needs of a new child is an important part of the decision making process, but people on benefits, low incomes or renting are just as eligible. And, depending on the circumstances, adopters can get financial help from the local council, and tax credits, just like any other family.
5. People with any criminal convictions are automatically banned from adopting
If you have a criminal record, you must tell the agency when applying. It will not automatically disqualify you, but, legally, anyone who has been cautioned or convicted for crimes involving children is forbidden.
6. You must have been born in the UK to adopt a child here
This isn't true. You must have been a UK resident, officially, for at least one year before you can apply. You will also need to stay in the UK for the whole assessment process and until the courts have agreed to the adoption.
Adoption laws in Scotland are slightly different than in the rest of the UK. Find out more at www.adoptionuk.com
Next: find out more about the adoption process
Where next?
- Pregnancy and health
Sources and other help:
- www.adoptionuk.com
- After Adoption support group
- Department for children, schools and families
- British Association for Adoption and Fostering
- www.bemyparent.org.uk
By Vicky Woollaston
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