Our Information & Advice Line is open to members of the general public thinking about adopting from abroad, who live in one of our partner local authorities. The full list of these local authorities is available here. We can answer any query relating to adopting a child. This includes the process involved in adopting from abroad, eligibility issues and the differences in adopting from the UK. We cannot offer legal advice unfortunately as we are not a legal practice but we can recommend firms who are experienced in adoption and immigration law.
The Information & Advice Line is open every weekday from 10.00am to 1.00pm. The only number for the Advice Line is 020 8447 4753.
If you are thinking about adoption, the most popular way to reach us for the first time is by using our Enquiry Form here. If you have already completed this form the best way to follow up is by emailing us at info@coramiac.org.uk Please quote your reference number so we can locate your information for you.
CoramBAAF now manages our Outbound Permanence Service, which offers an Information & Advice Line for professionals working with children in the UK who need to be placed abroad. To access this service, please visit their website.
The best way to help those affected by war is through recognised organisations where donations will go directly to those in need. The Sanctuary Foundation is one such organisation and is a great way to offer support that will change lives.
Intercountry adoption however is not considered an appropriate solution for separated and displaced children during periods of armed conflict for several reasons:
1. Ethical and Legal Concerns: In times of armed conflict, the legal systems and infrastructure of the affected countries are often disrupted or weakened. This can lead to difficulties in verifying the identity and background of children, which is crucial in ensuring their well-being and safety. It also makes it harder to obtain informed consent from the biological parents or guardians, which is a fundamental requirement for adoption.
2. Risk of Exploitation and Trafficking: The chaos and instability of conflict zones create an environment where child trafficking, abduction, and exploitation are more likely to occur. Intercountry adoption can inadvertently provide opportunities for unscrupulous individuals or organisations to take advantage of the situation, posing significant risks to the children involved.
3. Cultural and Psychological Considerations: Moving a child from their home country and culture can be a traumatic experience, especially during a time of crisis. The loss of cultural, linguistic, and familial connections can have long-lasting negative effects on a child's identity and sense of belonging.
4. Disruption of Kinship and Community Ties: Intercountry adoption may result in the separation of siblings, extended families, and communities. This can have profound and lasting emotional, psychological, and social consequences for the child. Maintaining connections to their cultural and social roots is important for a child's well-being and development.
5. Recovery and Reintegration: In many cases, it is in the best interest of the child to stay within their own country or region, where efforts can be made to locate and reunite them with their biological families or extended relatives. Post-conflict situations often require extensive efforts to rebuild communities and support systems, and keeping children in their own cultural context can facilitate this process.
6. Alternate Care Options: There are often alternative care options available within the country or region, such as foster care, kinship care, or community-based care. These options can provide a more culturally appropriate and temporary solution for children until they can be safely reunited with their families or reintegrated into their communities.
7. International Standards and Guidelines: International guidelines and standards, such as the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, emphasize that intercountry adoption should be considered only after all efforts to place a child in a suitable family environment within their own country have been exhausted.
In summary, while intercountry adoption can be a valid option in certain circumstances, it is generally considered a last resort for children who cannot be cared for within their own country or region. In periods of armed conflict, the priority is to protect the best interests of the child, which often involves efforts to reunite them with their families or extended communities, or to provide alternative care options within their own cultural context.
Links to Appeals
https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
https://www.wearelumos.org/get-involved/ukraine-appeal/
If you work for an organisation that subscribes to our services please use the dedicated contact details which have been provided to your organisation.
120 Cockfosters Road
Barnet
EN4 0DZ
Main Office: 020 8449 2562 (not Advice Line)
Nearest Underground Station: Cockfosters (Piccadilly Line)
Nearest Parking: There is plenty of free parking on Westpole Avenue and Mount Pleasant. Chalk Lane is a restricted zone but has parking between 9:30AM - 4:30PM. Alternatively, there is parking at Cockfosters Underground Station adjacent to the office (you will need the PaybyPhone app).