Adopting a step child and other non-agency adoptions
If you want to adopt your spouse or partner’s child, you must let us know.
The process is similar to an adoption agency assessment and must begin at least three months before you apply to the court for an adoption order.
To start the assessment, the child must have lived with both of you for at least six months. This assessment helps the court decide if the adoption should go ahead—it replaces the need for an independent adoption panel.
The court will ask your local council to prepare a report on:
- Your partner
- The child
- The child’s other birth parent
A social worker will write the report, which the court will use to make its decision.
If the court grants the adoption order, you will gain parental responsibility for the child alongside your spouse or partner. The order also removes parental responsibility from:
- The child’s other birth parent
- Anyone else who has parental responsibility for the child
The adoption order also cancels any existing court orders, including arrangements for the birth parent’s contact with the child.
This process is similar when a child’s family member or their foster carer wishes to adopt a child. Please contact us via the email address below for advice.
Alternatives to step-parent adoption
Adopting a step-child may not always be the best route so it is important to consider the alternatives.
Further information
The Non Agency Adoption Pack (NAPA) (461 KB)
adoption.referrals@staffordshire.gov.uk
0300 111 8007
Further information can also be found on the Gov.UK website.