West Sussex County Council: Becoming an Adopter

Links to Sections

• Introduction
• Further information and enquiries
• Other useful contacts

As a local authority, the county council is a registered adoption agency. We provide a range of adoption services, including support, assessment and approval of those wishing to adopt a child. We can also provide advice on legal alternatives to step-child adoption and, where appropriate, an assessment service.

Our county adoption team works with other adoption agencies, the courts and children's guardians. They will manage the adoption process for children placed for adoption and their birth families, and with people from West Sussex who want to adopt within the UK.

Staff work particularly closely with people who want to adopt, guiding them through the decision-making process and eligibility criteria, before carrying out their assessment and preparing a report on people's suitability. Once people are approved, the adoption team will support them through child matching, introductions and placement.

We also have an agreement with the charity Parents and Children Together (PACT). This deals with all enquiries drom people wishing to adopt a child from overseas. Our Other useful contacts section gives their contact details.