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This depends on your condition and or disability and how it may affect your ability to care for a child. If there are any issues that you think may affect your application, please raise these with us at an early stage. There are many conditions and disabilities that would not necessarily prevent you from adopting. You would undergo a full medical assessment which is undertaken by your own GP. This information is then sent to the Medical Adviser for Nugent Adoption who will make a recommendation as to your medical suitability to adopt.

We would ask you to be at the stage whereby you have completed any fertility investigations and treatments before making a formal application to adopt. However, we understand that many people may wish to make some informal adoption enquiries whilst still undergoing treatment. We take each enquiry on its own merits and would discuss this with you in more detail.

Nugent Adoption has a comprehensive preparation training programme which you will be invited to attend that covers all areas relevant to adoption. We hold regular support groups and training workshops throughout the year. We can also link you with other adopters who may have experienced a similar situation to yourself. Your allocated Adoption Social Worker will guide you through the assessment process and offer their on-going support right up to the granting of an Adoption Order.

There are two stages in the initial adoption process. Stage One is a 2-month process when we gather references, complete checks and during which you will have your adoption medical. Although we aim to complete this stage within 2 months, we are not able to move forward into Stage Two if there are any checks outstanding. Stage Two is the actual assessment stage which will take 4 months. Your Social Worker will meet with you regularly during this stage to gather information for your Prospective Adopters Report. At the end of Stage Two you will be invited to attend the Nugent Adoption Panel. The Panel members will discuss your application and make their recommendation about your approval.

You do not have to pay to be assessed and approved to adopt a child from Care in the UK. Once a child is placed with you, you will, of course, be expected to meet their living costs just like any other parent. However, in some circumstances you may be able to get help via an Adoption Allowance which will be means tested by the local authority who places the child with you. This is usually when a child has additional needs or in the case of large sibling groups. You will be entitled to Child Benefit from when a child is placed with you. Adopters are generally entitled to adoption leave and pay; you would need to access your company adoption policy for more detailed information about your place of work. You can also look at the Government website /adoption-pay-leave/overview.