Being unemployed or on a low income does not automatically rule you out of being an adopter. You can be an adoptive parent if you are on benefits. Adopt North East always considers the financial circumstances of an applicant adopter. An adopter will need to evidence that they can meet the costs of caring for a child. The Agency will support an applicant to explore what benefits or tax credits they may be entitled to. There are also some circumstances in which there may be additional financial support for a child where the child has assessed additional and complex needs.

Being in full time work does not automatically rule you out of being an adopter. Adopt North East always considers the employment circumstances of an applicant adopter. An adopter will need to evidence that their employment gives them the availability and flexibility to care for a child, including the provision of Adoption Leave. The Agency will support an applicant to understand their rights as an employee.

An adopter will need to take some time off of work to support a child to move into their care. A child will need time to build a relationship with you and to feel safe and secure. Many adopters have to balance the need for work and the need to offer a child the availability and consistency they need early on. It is difficult to say how long an adopter needs to take off from work, but six to twelve months is not unusual. We would be happy to discuss this further with you.