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  1. About Adoption
  2. The adoption process

The adoption process

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. Read more

Published: 18th December, 2018

Updated: 4th August, 2025

Author:

Stage One - Checks and References

Stage One - Checks and References

Stage One of the adoption process is our safeguarding stage. During this stage, various checks are completed and you undertake your first weekend of training. Read more

Published: 19th December, 2018

Updated: 4th August, 2025

Author:

Stage Two - Home Visits and Assessment

Stage Two - Home Visits and Assessment

Stage two of the adoption process lasts for four months and involves a family assessment by your social worker. Read more

Published: 20th December, 2018

Updated: 4th August, 2025

Author:

Adoption Panel

Adoption Panel

Adoption Panels are set up in line with statutory requirements to approve adoptive parents, ensuring safe and effective care for children who have a plan for adoption. Read more

Published: 21st December, 2018

Updated: 4th August, 2025

Author:

Finding the right child for you

Finding the right child for you

Once you become an approved adopter, it’s time to start looking for the right child or children that will join your family. This is called the 'family finding' or 'matching stage.' Read more

Published: 22nd December, 2018

Updated: 4th August, 2025

Author:

Matching panel

Matching panel

Once the family finding process is complete the match will need to be agreed formally by the adoption panel for the child’s agency. If approval is recommended by the adoption panel for the match, the child’s adoption agency decision maker then makes the final decision. Read more

Published: 23rd December, 2018

Updated: 7th April, 2025

Author:

Make an enquiry

Make an enquiry

There are various ways to make an enquiry. You can call a member of the ARC Adoption team on 0191 516 6466. Email [email protected] or complete the adoption enquiry form below. Read more

Published: 24th December, 2018

Updated: 4th August, 2025

Author:

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Latest

  • Virtual Adoption Information Event - Thursday 6th August 2026

    Virtual Adoption Information Event - Thursday 6th August 2026

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  • Adoption Information Event in Sunderland - Saturday 1st August 2026

    Adoption Information Event in Sunderland - Saturday 1st August 2026

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  • How important is money and finances when adopting?

Most read

  • Could the North East Secure Start Package help you adopt?

    Could the North East Secure Start Package help you adopt?

    If concerns about managing early practical costs or taking time off work have help you back from adopting, you may be interested in the North East Secure Start Package.

  • How adoption works

    How adoption works

    Adoption is a way of providing new loving and permanent families for children who cannot be looked after by their birth parents.

  • Gillian and Ryan's story - adopting sisters

    Gillian and Ryan's story - adopting sisters

    We spoke to parents Gillian and Ryan, who adopted two sisters with our support in 2016. Here they talk about meeting their children, the wonderful impact their girls have made on their lives, and offer advice for others thinking about adopting siblings.

  • Sisters in need of a loving home. Could you be their family?

    Sisters in need of a loving home. Could you be their family?

    We are looking for a loving home for a 4 year old little girl, and her 6 year old sister who has complex health and care needs. Find out more about them on our special webpage.

  • Early Permanence

    Early Permanence

    With Early Permanence adoption, prospective adopters are also temporarily approved as foster carers so they can provide early stability and continuity of care to a baby, child or siblings who they may go on to adopt.

  • Matching panel

    Matching panel

    Once the family finding process is complete the match will need to be agreed formally by the adoption panel for the child’s agency. If approval is recommended by the adoption panel for the match, the child’s adoption agency decision maker then makes the final decision.

  • How long does the UK adoption process take?

  • 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.

  • Stage One - Checks and References

    Stage One - Checks and References

    Stage One of the adoption process is our safeguarding stage. During this stage, various checks are completed and you undertake your first weekend of training.

  • Meet Jonnie and Mara - twins in need of a forever family

    Meet Jonnie and Mara - twins in need of a forever family

    As part of our Better off together campaign we are encouraging prospective adopters to consider adopting more than one child. To help picture what that could look like, we meet Jonnie and Mara.

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ARC Adoption's Office Hours:

Usual working hours are: Monday to Thursday 09:00 until 17:00, and Friday 09:00 until 16:30.

You can contact us anytime at [email protected] or request more information about adopting via our enquiry form, and we will get back to you.



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