In recent years, the number of people adopting a child in the UK has significantly decreased, raising alarm among policymakers, social workers, and child welfare charities. Despite the thousands of children in the care system waiting for permanent homes, fewer families and individuals are stepping forward to adopt.
While the motivations behind adoption remain deeply personal, the barriers to adopting are becoming more structural and widespread—ranging from economic pressures to legal hurdles and social stigma. This article explores why prospective parents are in short supply, how legal and financial considerations impact the adoption process, and answers pressing questions like: how much does it cost to adopt a child, can you adopt as a single parent, and can an unmarried man adopt a child.
The declining numbers of adoptive parents
Over the last decade, adoption rates in the UK have dropped significantly. According to recent statistics, the number of children in care continues to rise, but fewer families are coming forward to adopt them. This trend is worrying, not just for local authorities but for the thousands of children stuck in long-term foster care or institutional settings.
The following reasons may go some way to explain why prospective parents are no longer queuing up to adopt:
Stricter legal and welfare thresholds
While the basic legal requirements to adopt a child in the UK are relatively straightforward—being over the age of 21 and a UK resident—the practical barriers can be far more complex. Social workers now apply much more rigorous assessments, evaluating emotional stability, lifestyle, health, employment status, and even the layout of someone’s home. While these checks are designed to ensure the well-being of the child, they can be daunting and intrusive for many applicants.
In addition, court rulings in the last decade have reinforced that adoption should only occur when no other family-based alternative is available. This has increased the legal scrutiny involved in each case, adding to the delays and difficulties prospective parents face.
Economic pressures and the cost of living
The current cost of living crisis has made potential adopters wary of expanding their families, especially when financial stability is one of the key factors assessed during the process. Many families simply cannot afford to give up income or take time off work, even temporarily, to fulfil the one-year bonding period expected post-adoption.
How much does it cost to adopt a child?
One of the most common questions prospective adopters ask is: how much does it cost to adopt a child? The answer depends on the path you take.
Local authority adoption (public sector)
In most cases, adopting through your local authority or regional adoption agency is free. The process is government-funded because it focuses on finding homes for children already in care. However, there are some incidental costs:
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Medical checks (if not covered by the NHS): £60 – £200
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Court application fee for the adoption order: £207 (as of 2025)
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Legal advice (if not covered by the agency): £1,000 – £1,500
Some local authorities will subsidise the legal costs, usually up to £600, but not always. That still leaves adopters with the responsibility of covering the rest. So while the phrase “free adoption” may sound appealing, hidden expenses mean you should be financially prepared.
Voluntary and international adoption
Voluntary adoption agencies and intercountry adoptions come with significantly higher costs. These can range from £10,000 to £20,000 when you include travel, translation of documents, immigration processes, and legal representation.
In such cases, adoption cost becomes a real financial burden, often only manageable by higher-income families.
Legal representation: Is it worth the cost?
Hiring a lawyer during the adoption process is optional, but many adopters find it worthwhile. Legal professionals can streamline the process, prevent delays, and ensure that you understand your rights and obligations.
What can a solicitor do for you?
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File the adoption order: Your solicitor can prepare and file the paperwork, ensuring that everything is accurate and timely.
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Liaise with local authorities: They can communicate with social workers and agencies on your behalf, especially if complications arise.
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Navigate complex scenarios: If you’re adopting a child from abroad, or if the child’s birth parents are contesting the adoption, a solicitor can be indispensable.
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Ensure legal compliance: Lawyers can make sure you meet all court requirements and deadlines, helping avoid costly setbacks.
While the upfront legal fee may seem steep, especially on top of other expenses, the value of experienced legal guidance often outweighs the cost.
Can you adopt as a single parent?
Yes—you can adopt as a single parent in the UK. In fact, single adopters make up around 10% of all adoptions. Whether you’re single by choice, widowed, divorced, or separated, your eligibility is not automatically compromised.
Adoption agencies and social workers assess your ability to provide a stable, loving environment rather than focusing on your relationship status. The key considerations are your emotional resilience, support system, and time availability. Some challenges might include managing work-life balance or securing time off, but being single is not a disqualifying factor.
Can an unmarried man adopt a child?
The law in the UK does not discriminate against unmarried men, provided they pass the same rigorous checks that apply to all prospective parents. While social perceptions might still carry a stigma, legally, there are no additional barriers for unmarried male adopters.
This includes heterosexual single men, unmarried partners in a long-term relationship, or individuals in same-sex partnerships. Each applicant is evaluated based on their parenting capacity, not their marital status.
Systemic challenges: Beyond individual decisions
While the number of people willing to adopt is falling, the reasons are not limited to personal hesitation. Many systemic issues are at play:
Declining support services
Years of funding cuts to children’s services and adoption support charities have had a devastating impact. Fewer post-adoption services mean more families feel isolated or ill-equipped to deal with the challenges of adopting a child who may have experienced trauma or neglect.
Delays in the system
Bureaucratic inefficiencies mean some adoption processes can take over 18 months to complete. For some, especially older prospective parents, this delay can be discouraging.
Media misrepresentation
The portrayal of adoption in media, including high-profile failed adoptions or negative coverage of social services, can also deter potential adopters. Fear of failure, judgment, or lack of support often looms large.
The reality is stark: fewer families are adopting a child despite an increasing number of children needing homes. Factors such as financial strain, legal complexity, and insufficient post-adoption support are discouraging potential adopters. Yet the need remains urgent.
By improving awareness and breaking down these barriers, we can help ensure that every child in care finds the loving, permanent home they deserve.
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