Each October, the UK observes National Adoption Week, which is a dedicated time to highlight adoption stories, celebrate adoptive families, and raise awareness about children who are still waiting for permanent homes. In 2025, the campaign is more important than ever, not just for professionals working in family law and social services, but also for prospective adopters and the wider public who may be considering whether adoption could be part of their family’s story.
This article explores what the week represents, how those hoping to adopt can make the most of it, and practical guidance on navigating the adoption process under UK family law.
What is National Adoption Week?
National Adoption Week is a long-standing initiative in the UK designed to shine a light on the realities of adoption. While adoption is often spoken about in terms of happy endings, the week also seeks to give a voice to adopted people, adoptive parents, and birth families to share their experiences.
The campaign highlights:
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The needs of children who are still waiting for families—particularly older children, siblings, and those with additional needs.
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The role of adoption agencies, local authorities, and the courts in ensuring safe and legally secure placements.
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The importance of post-adoption support for families, recognising that adoption is not a one-off event but a lifelong journey.
By raising awareness, National Adoption Week helps to tackle myths and misconceptions about who can adopt and what the process involves.
Why National Adoption Week matters in 2025
In recent years, there has been a decline in the number of people coming forward to adopt, despite thousands of children still in need of permanent families. According to government and adoption charity statistics, the most vulnerable groups, older children and sibling groups, wait significantly longer than others.
National Adoption Week 2025 is expected to focus on encouraging more people from diverse backgrounds to consider adoption, emphasising that single people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from different cultural communities can and do adopt successfully. It also aims to showcase the crucial support networks available, so prospective adopters know they won’t be left to manage alone.
How to adopt a child: Understanding the process
For anyone considering adoption, one of the first questions is often how to adopt a child. The process is governed by the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and overseen by adoption agencies—either local authority services or voluntary adoption agencies.
Here is a step-by-step outline of the process:
- Initial enquiry: You can contact your local authority or a voluntary adoption agency to express interest. At this stage, you’ll receive general information about adoption, including eligibility criteria.
- Stage one: Pre-assessment: This stage lasts around two months and involves background checks, references, and basic training to help you understand the needs of children in care.
- Stage two: Assessment: This stage typically lasts four months. A social worker will carry out an in-depth assessment of your suitability to adopt, exploring your lifestyle, support networks, and ability to meet a child’s needs.
- Adoption panel: Your assessment report is presented to an independent adoption panel, which makes a recommendation about your approval.
- Matching with a child: If approved, you will be matched with a child (or children). Matching considers your strengths and the child’s needs to ensure the best long-term outcome.
- Placement and court order: Once matched, the child is placed with you. After a settling-in period, you apply for an adoption order through the family court, making the adoption legally binding.
Making the most of National Adoption Week as a prospective adopter
If you’re in the early stages of thinking about adoption, National Adoption Week is a valuable opportunity to find out more. You can:
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Attend events and webinars: Many agencies host information evenings, both online and in-person, where you can learn about the process and ask questions.
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Hear from adoptive families: Real-life stories can give insight into the challenges and joys of adoption.
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Connect with professionals: Social workers, legal advisors, and adoption support services are often available to discuss what the journey looks like in practice.
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Challenge misconceptions: You may find that concerns about eligibility, for example, being single, renting a property, or having no prior parenting experience, are less of a barrier than you thought.
Tips for those considering adoption
If you are preparing for or currently navigating adoption, the following tips may help:
- Be patient with the process: The adoption process can feel lengthy and intrusive, but it is designed to ensure children’s safety and welfare. Viewing each stage as preparation rather than a hurdle can help.
- Build your support network: Adoption can be demanding, especially in the early stages of placement. Having trusted friends, family, or adoption support groups available will be invaluable.
- Engage with training opportunities: Agencies provide preparation courses to explore topics like attachment, trauma, and identity. Engaging fully will give you practical tools and confidence.
- Stay open to different children: Many adopters start with an idea of the child they hope for, but being open to siblings, older children, or those with additional needs can shorten waiting times and lead to rewarding placements.
- Seek legal guidance: Understanding your rights and responsibilities is vital. A solicitor specialising in family law can guide you through applications for adoption orders and ensure you are supported at each stage.
- Prepare for lifelong conversations: Adoption is not a one-off event but an ongoing dialogue. Children will need age-appropriate explanations of their story, and adopters must be prepared for evolving questions as children grow.
The role of post-adoption support
Adoption does not end with a court order. Families often need ongoing support, whether through counselling, therapeutic services, or peer networks. National and local initiatives, such as the Adoption Support Fund in England, provide access to specialist help, showing that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness, and that adoption is about long-term commitment and care.
National Adoption Week 2025 offers an important reminder of the many children across the UK who need safe, stable, and loving homes. For anyone asking how to adopt a child, the week provides the perfect opportunity to gather information, attend events, and take the first step toward building a family through adoption.
Whether you are just beginning to think about adoption, in the midst of the process, or already an adoptive parent, this week is about connection, reflection, and hope.
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