I was adopted as a baby.  My adoptive parents had a biological son, then 10 years later they adopted my other brother.  3 years later I was adopted, then 4 years after me they had a biological daughter of their own.  As a family we all got on very well, fought a lot with my brothers and sister but that's normal.  My brother (adopted one) was always more protective of me.  I always felt that my sister was the favourite one and we never really was treated the same although my parents would argue that.  I have always been grateful that I was adopted by wonderful people as I don't think life would have been as good if I hadn't have been.

Adoption in our local authority takes approx 12 months just to go to panel to be approved as adopters, thats before the matching process.

I have been told that young babies are pretty rare, as the legal process can mean majority are about 12 months old before they are legally able to go for permanent adoption.  Majority are around the 4 yr old mark.

try AdoptionUK for more information.

i am adopted myself. i was taken in at 16 months and now i have many emotional problems.

if you want to adopt then i would adopt as young as possible. do research on the internet or library about primary bonds. if you need more info pm me

Hi

We were in the process of adopting when I found out I was pregnant which was a total shock as Dr's told us it was virtually impossible! Anyway, in the uk they ideally like you to adopt a child younger than your biological children. As for conflict, well the social workers council you about all that stuff. Once you have been accepted by your chosen council it takes about 9 months (ironically) for them to do the home assessment and get you through panel. Then the waiting for a child begins. That can take ages but it does depend on the age of the child you want to adopt.

Good Luck!

v

My husband and I have talked about adopting since volunteering at an orphange in Thailand a few years ago.  We agreed that we would like to adopt in the UK.  We have a 7 month old son, and would ideally like to have another biological child, in addition to an adoption.  We would consider taking siblings.

My questions are as follows:

Is there ever conflict between natural and adoptive children, particularly when the adoptive children are watching natural children being brought into the family?

Is it unfair to adopt when we have such a young family?

Is there a right order or period of time inbetween, adopting vs. having natural children?

How long does the process take?

Is there anything we should be aware of, thinking about or considering, that you wished someone had raised with you prior to going through the process?

Thanks