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Adopting without prior local authority approval

prince74 April 1, 2013 21:49
My wife and I would like to adopt a child from West Africa. We are both British citizens of Africans origin living in the UK.If I child is legally adopted from another country, in this case from Africa without first getting an approval from the Local Authority, would it be difficult to bring the child back to the UK even though the child has been legally adopted and approved by a competent authority abroad?
Edited 17/02/2021
loadsofbubs April 1, 2013 22:57
I would imagine that that would depend on the childs legal status in terms of nationality. it is not always automatic that an adopted child would get the same citizenship that a parent has any more. I have Australian friends who tried to adopt from abroad (while abroad) but had to stop the process becoz the Australian government wouldn't let them bring the child back into the country with them or allow her to have Australian passport/citizenship (she was a different ethnicity and also disabled-the main reason for the refusal). your best bet is to check the immigration rules rather than the adoption ones. if you've adopted legally overseas, then I don't think the ss here have a say in it (except when adopted from here and bringing a child in rather than living elsewhere and adopting, then returning once child is fully adopted).
Edited 17/02/2021
Fruitcake April 2, 2013 02:03
It is actually illegal for a British subject to try to adopt from overseas without first getting approval to adopt in this country. It would be a criminal offence in fact. It used to be possible but the law was changed, I think in the early 1990s, because there had been cases of people e.g. with a criminal record adopting overseas and then bringing the child back to this country. It was obviously impossible for the overseas country to do the local police checks. Also if you reside in the UK, an overseas adoption agency cannot very well do a "home" study. The home study has to be done by your Local Authority or an approved Voluntary Agency local to you.The good news is that your Local Authority has a duty to assess you for overseas adoption if you request this (or they might suggest a voluntary agency if there is one in your area that deals with intercountry adoption). Unlike in domestic adoption, you will be asked to pay for the home study and for processing documentation, etc. which is expensive.There may be children who need adoptive placements locally who would match your ethnicity: you could be in great demand! It might be worth 'phoning round a bit first.If you do decide to go the intercountry route, google OASIS overseas adoption. They are a voluntary organisation specialising in overseas adoption and will have up to date advice. Or check the relevant government department pages on adoption. Good luck!
Edited 17/02/2021
Fruitcake April 2, 2013 02:05
To be precise, it is illegal for a British subject resident in the UK to try to adopt overseas without first being approved to adopt in the UK.
Edited 17/02/2021
Tokoloshe August 7, 2013 08:05
As Fruitcake says.If you are resident abroad and adopt abroad then you have to apply to the Home Office for your (adopted) children to become British citizens, which may or may not be granted.
Edited 17/02/2021

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