A number of people in Scotland each year choose to adopt from overseas. In general, applicants are required to follow similar processes to those followed in domestic adoptions, although there can be special requirements, depending on the circumstances and the country concerned.
Although there are many children in Scotland who are looking for an adoptive family, there are also children from overseas who are in need of a safe, secure and stable home. Intercountry adoption may provide this opportunity to have a permanent family. For Humanitarian reasons the Government allows intercountry adoption to proceed where:
- The child cannot be cared for in any suitable manner in his/her own country;
- The adoption would be in the best interests of the child; and
- The adoptor has been asessed as eligible and suitable to adopt from overseas by an adoption agency
If you are considering adopting a child from abroad, we advise you to contact your local authority social work department for advice on the processes involved in adopting a child from overseas. Please click here for contact details for your local authority. Although the Scottish Government can offer general advice and information about intercountry adoption, it is the prospective applicants responsibility to research and gather as much information as possible on the processes involved whilst also approaching their social work department or the Scottish Government.
What many prospective adopters do not realise is the processes of going through an intercountry adoption can be very stressful and emotional for some. During the process there is an emphasis on personal information e.g. your childhood, being asked to support your application to adopt and why you think you would be a good parent to a child from overseas. There may be some circumstances whereby you may not be eligible to adopt weather that be by the requirement of the country (details found below) or are found not to be suitable to adopt by the assessing social worker.
There is also the assumption by many proposed adopters that due to being approved by the adoption agency and the Scottish Ministers supporting your application that you will be accepted by the receiving adoption agency. However, this may not be the case as the receiving agency may decline your application for any reason they wish, this may include that they do not have any suitable children that meet yours or the childs requirments. This is solely the receiving agencies decision.
Country Factsheets
For additional advice on some individual countries and their requirements is available below or on the Department for Children, Schools and Families website -
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/intercountryadoption/countries.shtml
Bulgaria
Ethiopia
India
Nepal
Nigeria
Peoples Republic of China
Peru
Republic of Moldova
Russia
Thailand
A brief overview of intercountry adoption processes and procedures can be found here. Information on the relevant immigration requirements is available on the home office publication Intercountry adoption and the immigration rules. Further information on a guide to intercountry adoption in the UK can be found here.
Types of Intercountry Adoption
There are 3 types of intercountry adoption and these are;
- Hague Convention cases
- Designated List cases
- Non designated and Non Hague cases
Further information on these can be viewed here
News Updates
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) have a news items site, whereby any relevant articles regarding intercountry adoption will appear on this page. This information may be useful for those considering or in the process of adoptiong a child from overseas which can be viewed at the web address below;
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/intercountryadoption/
Finally
Should you have additional questions please see our FAQ's, which should provide you with the information you require.
If you have any further querys please see contact details below;
Scottish Government,
Intercountry Adoption Team,
Education Department,
Care and Justice Directorate,
Area 2A (N),
Victoria Quay,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6QQ
or telephone on 0131 244 4078 or 0131 244 3663.