Cumbria County Council : Children`s Services : Fostering and Adoption : Frequently Asked Questions

There is no such thing as a typical adopter. We welcome people from a variety of different backgrounds, experiences and circumstances. We need people who are able to offer a genuine lifelong commitment to children.

Do I need to have a particular type of accommodation?

No. You may own your home, rent from the council or rent privately. What is more important is that you can provide enough space to accommodate a child or children in hour home. We would also ask that you are settled in your accommodation and have lived in Cumbria for six months before applying to adopt.

Are there any age restrictions to becoming an adopter?

The minimum age to adopt a child is 21 years. Although there are no upper age restrictions for adopters we have to ensure that we are realistic when matching and placing a child or children with you. Your age and health will be taken into account when considering the age of the child you could adopt.

Can I be considered for adoption whilst having fertility treatment?

To be considered for adoption you will need to have ended any infertility investigations or treatment at least twelve months ago.

Do we have to be married?

No, we welcome applications from single people, female or male, married or unmarried couples and people who are divorced or widowed. From 30th December 2005 unmarried couples have been able to jointly adopt. If you are in a partnership Cumbria Children’s Services ask that you have been living together for three years and are in a stable relationship before applying to adopt a child.

I am a smoker - can I adopt?

We will not approve people who smoke to care for children aged under five years or for children with respiratory problems.

What about criminal records?

Everyone in a household over 18 will have a ‘police check’. Anyone with a conviction for violence or against children will not be considered as an adopter. Any other convictions or cautions would need to be discussed.

Will we be refused if one of us has had an illness?

At an early stage applicants have a medical check up with their own doctor. Adoption can be stressful and people need to be physically able to do the job. However, if you are in remission after cancer or have had a heart attack in the past, you could still be considered as an adopter. It is unlikely that we would proceed with an applicant who is undergoing treatment for a serious mental health problem. As all circumstances and conditions differ please discuss this with us to see if you can proceed with your application.

Can we adopt a child if we have our own children?

Adopters who have their own children are welcome to apply to adopt, however the impact of adoption on your own children is something that we would want to explore with you as part of the initial visit process. Our experience in placing children means that there should be a gap of two and a half years between the age of your child and any adopted child.