Frequently Asked Questions

About You

You can adopt if you have children, but it is not always straightforward. Previously, the adopted child had to be at least two years younger than your youngest child. This has changed, and now local authorities are often reluctant to place any children with you until your youngest child is at least 11 or 12 years old. Despite outdated information online, the two-year age gap is now less realistic.

Yes, but if you or a member of your household has a criminal conviction or caution for offences against children or serious sexual offences, you will not be able to adopt. Other criminal offences will not automatically exclude you but will be considered during the adoption assessment process. Please be open with us from the start. At Jigsaw, we understand everyone has a past, and this may not reflect who they are today.

Yes, having pets is not a barrier to adoption. We recognise the value for children in being raised in a family with pets.

There is no rule against adopting if you smoke or use e-cigarettes, but we at Jigsaw would encourage you to quit smoking before adopting any children.

There is no rule against adopting children while undergoing fertility treatment. However, both fertility treatment and adoption can be emotionally demanding. We would need assurance that you have emotionally come to terms with the end of your fertility treatment before pursuing adoption.

Having a disability or health problem does not automatically disqualify you from adopting. You must demonstrate the ability to meet the child’s needs through adulthood. A medical assessment during stage one will evaluate your health and suitability.

Experiencing mental health problems does not automatically preclude you from adopting any children. We would discuss this with you and consider how adopting a child might impact your mental health.

Gaining experience with children is beneficial for prospective adopters. This can include caring for children of friends or family, or volunteering in a nursery or similar setting. If you feel you lack experience, our team can advise you. No formal qualifications are required, as we provide all necessary training and support.

Homeownership is not a requirement for adoption. You can adopt if you rent. Our experience at Jigsaw Adoption agency is that landlords are generally supportive of adoption, and renting rarely poses a problem.

No, income level is not a primary consideration at Jigsaw Adoption agency. We have not found lower incomes to be a hindrance in adopting.

While there is a minimum age of 21, there is no maximum age for child adoption. However, the age difference between you and the child, and your ability to care for them into adulthood, will be considered. Younger children are more likely to be placed with younger parents.

No, unmarried couples in stable relationships can adopt, and the adoption process is no different from that for married couples.

About The Children

You can express preferences, but ultimately, you can only adopt children who are available for adoption. These children are typically between 3 and 7 years old and often in sibling groups.

During the matching process, you will see profiles of children awaiting adoption. It is your decision whether to proceed with these profiles.

Children enter care for various reasons, the most common being risk of abuse or neglect. If it’s unsafe for them to return home, and living with extended family isn’t possible or suitable, courts may decide they require long-term care through adoption or fostering. Most children placed for adoption are initially cared for by foster carers, some in early permanence placements.

Modern adoption often involves some level of contact with birth parents, usually through letterbox contact, which doesn’t involve face-to-face meetings. At Jigsaw, we find that when face-to-face meetings occur, they tend to be positive experiences for both parties.

Foster carers are crucial in helping children thrive and preparing them for adoption. Adopters and foster carers collaborate to ease the child’s transition from foster care to their new family home. Maintaining contact with foster carers is beneficial as they are a valuable source of information and support.

Three children playing together on a colourful hammock in the sunlight, illustrating the joy of siblings in adoption

About The Adoption Process

The adoption process can be completed in approximately six months, from starting the process to being approved as an adopter. However, in some cases, the process may take longer, usually due to delays such as waiting for a GP appointment for the adoption medical. After approval, Jigsaw begins family finding, which varies in duration as several factors can affect how quickly you are matched with children.

While it is possible to adopt a baby, it is extremely unlikely due to the lengthy legal and administrative processes involved before a child is placed for adoption. These processes often mean the child is no longer a baby by the time they are available for adoption.

Several checks are mandated by regulation. Every adopter must undergo a DBS check. Additionally, Jigsaw will inquire with your local authority for relevant information. Depending on your circumstances, we may also request a letter from your employers, and all adopters must provide references. While this may seem cumbersome, it is a regulatory requirement for all adoption agencies.

No, you can only register with one adoption agency at a time.

Yes, you can withdraw from an agency during the adoption process. However, depending on how far along you were and the reasons for withdrawal, it may be challenging to find another willing agency.

There are two main types in the UK: domestic and international adoption. Domestic adoption involves adopting a child already in the UK, whereas international adoption involves adopting from another country. Most adoptions in the UK are domestic. International adoption can be costly, sometimes reaching six figures. Jigsaw specialises in domestic adoption and does not assist with international adoption.

Yes, but special rules and procedures apply to related adoptions. As Jigsaw focuses on children in the care system, we cannot assist with related adoptions.

Once approved, Jigsaw will match you with children waiting for adoption. You will have time to get to know the child before deciding to adopt.

Every child in care has been under the supervision of a paediatrician. Regular health checks and reports are conducted, providing insights into the children’s developmental and health needs. Once you are linked with specific children, their social workers will arrange for you to meet with a paediatrician to discuss the children’s health and any specific health concerns. A member of our team will support you throughout these appointments.

We aim to empower adopters in selecting children who are the best fit for their family. Understanding that many have faced the challenges of infertility and loss prior to considering adoption, we recognise that choosing children can be a complex and emotional process. Our experienced team will assist you in navigating through children’s profiles and information, highlighting key areas and providing essential details. Ultimately, the choice of children for your family is yours, and we will work closely with you throughout the matching process.

Adult and child holding hands in a warm embrace, a common reassuring gesture in the adoption process UK

What You Get

Jigsaw will not charge you for our services. The only costs you need to cover are some out-of-pocket expenses, such as the fee for a medical assessment and the DBS check. There may also be additional costs for travel and accommodation during the matching process.

As part of the adoption process, you will participate in Jigsaw’s classroom-based training and learn about adoption and the children waiting to be adopted through books and podcasts. The training equips you with essential parenting skills and unique skills needed to parent an adopted child who has experienced loss, separation, and trauma.

Employed adopters are usually entitled to adoption leave and may be entitled to adoption pay, which is a legal right. Some employers offer a more generous scheme than the statutory one. Statutory Adoption Leave is 52 weeks, comprising 26 weeks of Ordinary Adoption Leave and 26 weeks of Additional Adoption Leave. 

You are entitled to statutory adoption pay for the first 39 weeks of your adoption leave. This pay is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, followed by £172.48 or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks. Employers cannot offer less than this statutory amount, but they may offer more. To be eligible, you must be an employee who has given the correct notice, provided proof of adoption if requested, been continuously employed for at least 26 weeks by the week you were matched with a child, and earn on average at least £123 a week before tax.

We recommend speaking to several adoption agencies to find a good fit. Jigsaw’s team, including many adoptive mothers, offers a unique perspective, having experienced the process themselves. While the assessment process is standardised, the matching process can vary, so we advise focusing on this aspect when choosing an agency. For adopters in Southeast England, it’s important to consider an agency’s track record in matching with children from other regions, as fewer children are available for adoption in the Southeast.

 Jigsaw Adoption provides comprehensive support, including training and preparation, adoption assessment, assistance during the matching and placement process, and post-placement support.

As an adoptive parent, you have the same rights and responsibilities as any biological parent. You are legally responsible for your adopted child and have the right to make decisions about their upbringing.

Let's talk

Get In Touch

We would love to hear from you.

A number of our core team are adoptive mothers and we understand how emotional this can feel.

Reaching out to us for the first time can feel like a huge leap of faith and we recognise that. We’ll do our best to come back to you as soon as possible.

Please complete the interest form here and one of our team will write back to you.

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Adoption

Adoption is a legal process through which children become the legal members of a new family.

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Choose us

We have the flexibility to work with local governments teams across the whole of England and Wales.

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Support

Adoption support is a key part of our work with you and your family.

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Your adoption process

We understand adoption and parenting through adoption. Work with us and help us build a family. Your family.