When carrying out your research into adoption you are encouraged to contact and speak to as many adoption agencies as possible so that you can find the right agency for you.

Once you have made an enquiry with ARC Adoption, or attended one of ARC Adoption’s information events, having heard all there is to know about the outstanding team and support available to you, a member of the team who you will have already spoken to will arrange to come and visit you in your home.

This is called an initial visit, it is very informal and is an opportunity for you to have your questions answered in more detail, and importantly find out about the outstanding support that you will receive from the team at ARC Adoption.

It is also an opportunity and for us to get to know you a little. The questions that you will be asked are a confidential part of the process.

The team at ARC Adoption always strive to be open and honest and if there are any concerns that may prove to be an obstacle we will discuss them with you in the first instance, however there may be times when the person visiting you may need to seek further clarification on an issue with a senior manager.

The initial visit takes place at a date and time that is convenient to you, and usually lasts approximately two hours, during which the person carrying out the visit will look around your home to consider what space you have available for a child or children and if necessary, help to identify any potential risks. This is not something to worry or be concerned about. They will also ask you about any pets that you may have and what part they play in family life.

The person carrying out the initial visit will check your identification documents, they will contact you prior to the visit to let you know which documents you will need to have available.

At the end of the initial visit we will discuss the best way for you to progress and use this time to agree the best time to start your adoption journey, and the ways in which ARC Adoption can support you with growing your family.

The next stage in the adoption process is checks and references.

If you would like to arrange an initial visit then please call 0191 516 6466 or click Adoption enquiry and a member of the ARC Adoption team will contact you as soon as possible.