Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
ARC Adoption North East
0191 516 6466
  • Search
  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Adoption process Adoption enquiry
Menu
  • About us
    • Values and mission
    • Meet the team
      • Our team
      • Our trustees
      • Our adoption panel
    • Vacancies
    • Reports and policy
      • Ofsted rating
      • Statement of purpose
      • Equality and diversity policy
      • Comments, compliments, and complaints policy
    • Contact us
  • How to adopt
    • How adoption works
    • The adoption process
      • Initial visit
      • Checks and references
      • Home visits
      • Adoption panel
      • Finding the right child for you
      • Matching panel
      • Make an enquiry
    • LGBTQ+
    • Inter-country adoption
    • Fostering for adoption
    • Adoption FAQs
    • Reviews
  • Adoption support
    • Training
      • Bonding through play
      • Playful parenting
      • Connected by adoption
      • Buddy service
      • Support groups
      • Training dates
    • Learning resources
    • Children's guide to adoption
    • Therapeutic support
      • Therapeutic adoption support services
      • Social and peer support
      • Digital life story
      • Birth family support
  • Stories & impact
    • Adoption statistics and facts
    • Real life stories
  • Support our work
    • The Helen Linforth Children’s Fund
    • Volunteer
    • Become a buddy
    • Friends of ARC
  • News & events
    • News
    • Events
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • adoption-faqs
  1. How to adopt
  2. Adoption FAQs

Adoption FAQs

At ARC Adoption North East we understand you will have lots of questions about the adoption process and the support available to you throughout the process and beyond.

Here are 10 things about adoption that may help answer your questions.

If you would like to talk to a member of the outstanding ARC Adoption team they are happy to answer any questions you may have, call the team on 0191 516 6466 or click Adoption enquiry and a member of the ARC Adoption team will contact you as soon as possible.

Are there any restrictions about my health?

Expand

Mental and physical health and well being are not barriers to adoption provided you can care for the children you adopt.

During the adoption process you will be asked to arrange a full medical which will be carried out by your GP and advice will be sought from our medical advisor regarding any issues raised.

Members of the ARC Adoption North East team are happy to talk to you and offer further guidance around this.

If you would like to know more about adoption and starting the adoption process with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

 

Published: 8th August, 2019

Updated: 14th May, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Can I adopt if I live in rented accommodation?

Expand

Yes you can adopt if you live in rented accommodation.

A loving and stable home is essential particularly for adopted children, but you don't have to own your own home, you can live in rented accommodation.

A possible concern would be if potential adopters live in rented accommodation because they move around a lot. Children need stability and routine. Constantly moving house would mean that it would be a lot more difficult to provide this stability and routine.

The team at ARC Adoption North East are happy to talk to you and offer further guidance around this.

If you would like to know more about adoption and starting the adoption process with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

Published: 8th August, 2019

Updated: 14th May, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Can I adopt if I smoke?

Expand

If you are a smoker you would be expected to take active steps to stop smoking.

The majority of Local Authorities will not place children under the age of five years old in a household where anyone smokes, even if you use e-cigarettes, and often require adopters to have ceased smoking for a year before being matched with a child.

The team at ARC Adoption North East are happy to talk to you and offer further guidance around this.

If you would like to know more about adoption and starting the adoption process with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

 

Published: 8th August, 2019

Updated: 14th May, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

How long does the UK adoption process take?

Expand

The adoption process usually takes no longer than six months for you to become approved as an adoptive parent.

However, it is impossible to predict how long it will take to have a child placed with you because it is important to identify the right match for your family.

The team at ARC Adoption North East are happy to talk to you and offer further guidance around this.

If you would like to know more about adoption and starting the adoption process with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

 

Published: 8th August, 2019

Updated: 14th May, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

I already have kids, can I still adopt?

Expand

Yes. We welcome enquiries from people who are already parents. Part of the adoption process will include looking at the effects a placement will have on your current children. Some adopted children would thrive by having a sibling.

The team at ARC Adoption North East are happy to talk to you and offer further guidance around this.

If you would like to know more about adoption and starting the adoption process with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

 

Published: 8th August, 2019

Updated: 14th May, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

I am having fertility treatment, can I adopt?

Expand

In order to begin the adoption process you would need to have completed your fertility treatment, however we would discuss your individual circumstances with you.

The team at ARC Adoption North East are happy to talk to you and offer further guidance around this.

If you would like to know more about adoption and starting the adoption process with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

 

Published: 8th August, 2019

Updated: 14th May, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

I am single, can I adopt?

Expand

Single adopter

ARC Adoption North East welcome all types of adopters, including single adopters, many of which have successfully adopted.

Isabelle didn't know that single people could adopt, but she said it is the best thing she's ever done. 

ARC Adoption North East have a dedicated support team which offers a variety of support to adopters including social and online peer support, support groups and a Buddy service. 

If you would like to know more about adoption with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

Published: 16th May, 2019

Updated: 16th September, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

I have pets – can I adopt?

Expand

Many children thrive in a home that has pets and provided your pet does not pose a threat to a child’s health or safety then it will not prevent you from adopting. 

You will be asked to complete a pet questionnaire as part of the assessment process.

The team at ARC Adoption North East are happy to talk to you and offer further guidance around this.

If you would like to know more about adoption and starting the adoption process with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

Published: 8th August, 2019

Updated: 14th May, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Is being overweight a barrier to my being accepted as an adopter?

Expand

Adopters come in all different shapes and sizes. Weight, health, alongside lifestyle choices, are discussed with you during the adoption process.

The most important factor is your ability to provide a loving home for a child.

The team at ARC Adoption North East are happy to talk to you and offer further guidance around this.

If you would like to know more about adoption and starting the adoption process with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

Published: 8th August, 2019

Updated: 14th May, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Is there an age limit?

Expand

Children playing cricket with their parents

The minimum age to be eligible to adopt is 21 years old.

There is no upper age limit to adopt a child although you need to have the potential to care for the child through to adulthood.

The team at ARC Adoption North East are happy to talk to you and offer further guidance around this.

If you would like to know more about adoption and starting the adoption process with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

 

Published: 16th May, 2019

Updated: 17th September, 2020

Author:

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

We are a same sex couple, can we adopt?

Expand

Yes of course, At ARC Adoption North East we welcome enquiries from all types of adopters, including same sex adopters and members of the LGBT+ community. 



Many Same Sex adopters have chosen to adopt through ARC Adoption North East, those who do benefit from ARC Adoption North East's membership to New Family Social

ARC Adoption North East have a dedicated support team which offers a variety of support to adopters including social and online peer support, support groups and a Buddy service. 

If you would like to know more about adoption with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

Published: 8th August, 2019

Updated: 16th September, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

We both work, can we still adopt?

Expand

Yes. We welcome enquiries from people in employment. You will be expected to to take some time away from work to help your child settle into your home.

It is important is that you remain flexible and fit your work commitments around the needs of your child and not the other way around.

The team at ARC Adoption North East are happy to talk to you and offer further guidance around this.

If you would like to know more about adoption and starting the adoption process with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

 

Published: 8th August, 2019

Updated: 14th May, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

What sort of children need to be adopted?

Expand

There are thousands of children in the UK that are in need of loving and nurturing families, many of these children are of different ages and come from very different backgrounds.

Almost every looked after child (a child who is in care) today will have been removed from their parents as opposed to being voluntarily relinquished.

Those children that wait the longest for a loving and nurturing family are usually older children over the age of four and brothers and sisters.

Children who are looked after come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

Children may have a variety of behavioural and emotional issues due to their early life experiences, which may include some degree of attachment difficulties. This is something that adopters will learn about during training as they progress through the adoption process.

Smiling baby

If you are considering adopting a baby there are different options available to you, such as Fostering for Adoption. If you would like more information about this a member of ARC Adoption North East team are happy to talk to you and offer further guidance around the Fostering for Adoption route.

If you would like to know more about adoption with ARC Adoption North East and the support available, please contact us.

Published: 8th August, 2019

Updated: 14th May, 2020

Author: Sarah Shippen

Related topics:
  • Adoption FAQs
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Back to top

Showing 10 of 13

Latest

  • Virtual Coffee Morning Wednesday 24th March 2021

    Virtual Coffee Morning Wednesday 24th March 2021

    ARC Adoption families are invited to join the team for a virtual coffee morning.

  • Information Event About Adoption Thursday 1st April 2021

    Information Event About Adoption Thursday 1st April 2021

    The team at ARC Adoption North East would like to invite you to an online information event to find out more about the adoption process and the outstanding support available to you at ARC Adoption North East.

  • Adoption, Fostering & Tea: The New Family Social Podcast

    Adoption, Fostering & Tea: The New Family Social Podcast

    UK’s LGBT+ adoption and fostering charity, New Family Social's podcast dedicated to Adoption. Adoption, Fostering & Tea.

  • Adoption Adventures

    Adoption Adventures

    Adoption Adventures is the story of one adoptive family told via a podcast.

Most read

  • How adoption works

    How adoption works

    Adoption is a way of providing new families for children who cannot be looked after by their birth parents and need to belong to a new family.

  • Reports and policy

    The team at ARC Adoption are very proud to be rated as Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.

  • Values and mission

    Values and mission

    ARC Adoption North East in an outstanding adoption agency based in the North East of England. The ARC Adoption team is made up of multi-disciplined, experienced professionals who deliver a range of high-quality outstanding adoption services and adoption support. ARC Adoption North East believes that every child deserves the right to grow up in a nurturing and loving family who will support them through childhood and prepare them for adult life.

  • Fostering for adoption

    Fostering for adoption

    At ARC Adoption North East are committed to exploring different routes to adoption. ARC Adoption offers an early permanence route, often referred to as fostering for adoption or foster to adopt. Fostering for adoption means that young children, usually babies, are placed at a young age with approved potential adopters who would also be approved temporary foster carers whilst the family court decides on the child’s future.

  • Adoption statistics and facts

    In the North East of England, children waiting to be adopted outnumbers adopters 3:1. Could you adopt a child? If you have questions about adoption, or would like more information about the adoption process and the outstanding support available at ARC Adoption North East, email [email protected] or call 01915166466.

  • Initial visit

    Initial visit

    Following your initial enquiry, if you would like to progress with the adoption process a member of ARC Adoption North East’s team will visit you in your home. The initial visit will be very informal and take place at a date and time that is convenient for you and will last about two hours. It’s an opportunity to have your questions answered in more detail and help the team get to know you better.

  • Contact us

    Contact us

    At ARC Adoption North East we value your opinion. All compliments, comments and complaints are accepted and considered with the greatest respect. Your feedback is welcomed to help develop ARC Adoption North East’s services.

  • Digital life story

    Digital life story

    ARC Adoption North East has the responsibility to provide each child with a life story book. This is carried out by members of the team qualified to diploma level in therapeutic life story work for looked after children. ARC Adoption North East’s passionate and innovative approach has led to the development of a digital life story package, ARCBOX.

  • Bonding through play

    Bonding through play

    ARC Adoption North East likes to give adopters an insight into the principles of Theraplay® and how it can be used to build safe and secure attachments through having fun. Theraplay® is modelled on secure interactions between parents and children.

  • Donate

    Donate

    A legendary figure in the North East adoption sector, Helen Linforth was due to be the first chair of ARC Adoption North East's adoption panel, unfortunately she passed away in 2014, before being able to take on a key role at ARC Adoption North East. This led to a fund being set up in Helen's name to benefit children placed by ARC Adoption and who required additional support.

Sign up for our newsletter

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])

Connect with us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Contact us
  • Accessibility
  • Sitemap
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Login
  • Logout
  • Manager

ARC Adoption North East's Office Hours:

In keeping with the government’s advice ARC Adoption's office will be temporarily closed until further notice and all employees will be working remotely from home.

We are currently operating a duty system which can be accessed via [email protected]

The ARC Adoption North East team are currently working remotely. All services can be accessed by emailing [email protected].