Intercountry adoption

If you have adopted a child from overseas and live in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames you can access our adoption support services.

There are many reasons why people may be interested in adopting a child from another country. Adopting a child from overseas is a very significant step to take, both for you and the child. For most children, adoption within their own race and culture will be best option. You will need to consider carefully adoption will affect you and your extended family and how you will be able to support a child’s needs and identity throughout their childhood and into adulthood.

Intercountry adoption is a different process from domestic adoption with its own set of practices and requirements. Some of the procedures are similar to domestic adoption, such as the home study, but adopters also have to deal with the regulations of the countries they are adopting from. Unlike domestic adoption, intercountry adoption is not free and a charge is made for the assessment process.

Like all local authorities, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is obliged to provide an Intercountry Adoption Service (IAS) to residents and we have contracted this service out to the Intercountry Adoption Centre (IAC). If you decide to pursue intercountry adoption and you live in Richmond Borough, please contact the IAC for further information. They will send you out an information pack on intercountry adoption and invite you to a consultation day at the centre. Their contact details are:

First Floor, 71 – 73 High Street
Barnet
Herts
EN5 5UR

Advice Line: 0870 516 8742
Email: info@icacentre.org.uk
Website: www.icacentre.org.uk