Adopting in Hillingdon
If you want to transform a child's life through adoption, we are here to help. We aim to make the process of being approved as an adoptive parent as smooth as possible.
In this section:
If you want to transform a child's life through adoption, we are here to help. We aim to make the process of being approved as an adoptive parent as smooth as possible.
Read about the different types of adoption.
If you live in Hillingdon and are interested in adopting a child or children from another country, please contact The Centre for Adoption, who manages our assessment of intercountry adopters.
When a step-parent adopts their partner's child:
You can apply for a step-parent adoption if you:
*If the other birth parent refuses to allow the adoption, under Section 47 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 an adoption order cannot be made unless the court determines that consent isn't required. In making this decision, the court will consider important factors, such as the extent to which the non-consenting birth parent has participated in the child's life (financially, practically and emotionally), the extent to which she or he would be likely to do so in the future and the views of the child.
To find out more about how you may adopt your partner's children, email us at kinship@hillingdon.gov.uk with the following information:
It is not normally possible for a step-parent to adopt their step child if the other birth parent is still an active part of that child's life because the other birth parent's consent would be required. The non-resident birth parent is often unwilling to give up their parental responsibility and legal relationship with their child.
The importance of a child retaining a close relationship with both birth parents is well recognised by both the courts and child development experts. This will take precedence over considerations, such as whether the birth parents were married or not. This is another reason why step-parent adoption will only be suitable in a limited number of circumstances. The other birth parent will always be contacted as part of the assessment and steps will be taken to trace them even if they have not been an active part of the child's life.
Please note:
If you have a query about step-parent adoption, please email kinship@hillingdon.gov.uk.
The following alternatives to step-parent adoption can also secure the child's place in your family.
If you have particular questions relating to your own circumstances, please email us at adoption@coram.org.uk or call 020 7520 0382.