What is Inter Country Adoption?
Yorkshire Adoption Agency are one of only two agencies in the UK that offer Inter Country Adoption (ICA) services, which is the adoption of children internationally.
We have a dedicated Advanced Practitioner for ICA, Harriet, who focuses on ensuring the service and our knowledge of the processes and country specific requirements are kept up to date.
Many prospective adopters choose Inter Country Adoption as they wish to adopt a child who reflects their own ethnicity.
Inter Country Adoption must be self-funded and requires prospective adopters to spend lengthy periods in the country from which they are adopting. It therefore may not be the most suitable option for everyone.
How does Inter Country Adoption work?
To enable you to adopt from another country, you must first follow the procedures to become an approved adopter in the UK before attempting to complete the process in the country you wish to adopt a child from. See more about becoming an approved adopter here.
Not all countries allow Inter Country Adoption and those that do will have laws in place to ensure all children are safeguarded.
There is a different process for overseas adoption in Scotland and in Northern Ireland.
What countries are open for international adoption?
Overseas adoption Hague and Non Hague
A list of countries that are restricted by the UK for adoption and the reasons for this can be found on the GOV website, here.
Inter Country Adoption is permitted for any child who is ‘free for adoption’ in their country of birth.
You should not adopt or obtain guardianship for a child in their country of origin without firstly complying with the legal requirements to adopt in the United Kingdom.
Can I adopt internationally with YAA?
Yorkshire Adoption Agency can work with families who wish to adopt from overseas if they live in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and parts of Derbyshire.
This is because the local authorities in these areas have instructed YAA to undertake their Inter Country Adoption case work.
Some local authorities will undertake ICA work themselves and others instruct agencies, like YAA, to carry out Inter Country Adoptions in their local areas.
The best way to find out where your Inter Country Adoption service is located would be to call your local council and speak with the adoption team.
If you are still unsure and need further advice, you can call our friendly team on 01302 638337 or email info@yorkshireadoptionagency.org.uk