Adopting a child from abroad is not an easy option. It is important to take time to look beyond the immediate wish to help a child in need and think about the implications for the child and for yourselves in the long term.
Children whose families and communities have been unable to care for them will need a lot of help and understanding from their adoptive parents to develop a positive sense of their own identity and to understand why they have been adopted in another country.
Children who have been cared for in a large institution or those for whom there is very little information about their birth family may develop emotional and health problems as they grow up.
You will need to examine your motivations to inter-country adopt very carefully and some prospective adopters regard it as an "easier option" to adopting a child from within the United Kingdom.
This is not always the case, however, as the expense, delay, uncertainty and paperwork (to include overseas travel) can be considerable.
Taking it forward
Inter-country adoption is a highly technical activity and you may well require a solicitor with expertise in this field to represent your interests: as you will appreciate, this can prove expensive.
Some countries apply restrictions on who can apply to adopt a child and you will need to research this issue.
Should you wish to take forward an application to become an approved adopter for a child from another country and you live in Caerphilly you should contact The Adoption and Permanency Team.
Assessment
A fee is charged for the assessment as an inter country adopter and for the processing of checks and paperwork. Please contact Caerphilly for the up-to-date fee structure – likely to be around £4000 - £4500.
The application has to be considered by The Caerphilly Adoption Panel whose recommendation is approved by the Agency Decision Maker.
After approval
If the Agency Decision Maker agrees to your approval, your papers will be sent to The Welsh Government for them to review and consider whether a certificate of eligibility will be issued.
Caerphilly will liaise with you about sending papers to your country of choice and will advise and support you until a child is placed for adoption with you.
After the child is placed with you, support will be provided by Caerphilly's Adoption and Permanency Team: information about adoption support services is available elsewhere on the website.
Further information
If you are considering adopting a child from overseas and would like any further information or advice, please contact us on 01443 864527 or email adoption@caerphilly.gov.uk.