Maximum ages to adopt??

[caz61]

Hi Mumsnetters

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of having an older partner and wishing to adopt. I am 45 and my partner 55. Do you know if they will take my age or DP's? Or maybe an average? DP is mixed race. Would that make any difference to our chances?

Also is it better to use an agency or the local social services?

Sorry for all the questions - hope someone has the answers!!

Hi

i have three adopted children and as far as am aware there isn't usually an age limit, i might mean that you might not get a baby.

you could look at adoptionuk.org and give them a ring.

all the best for you whatever you decide to do.

saz

the only thing that I know from friedns who are adopting is they can't have an under 5 as her hubby is over 50
BUT
I also know from their and other friends who are adopting experiences that things are different depepnding where you are.

Before we adopted the ruling was that there should be no more than 40 year age gap between the child and the adoptive parents. But I understand there is a great need for mixed race adopters so that may not stand. The best bet is to contact your local social sevices or Adoption UK and take it from there.
Personally we went through our local social services and were happy working with them. The most important thing is to find an agency and SW that you are comfortable with as you will work with them for a considerable amount of time and the process is quite intrusive.

Good luck and hope you find your answers soon.

x

technically tehre is no legal minimum, it will come down to your panel and the sw of child being matched as to what they feel is in the best interests of the child. BEing mixed race should work in your favour but you won;t know for sure until you try.

Thanks everyone for your replies - really useful - as you say kewcumber we won't know till we try......time to pick up the phone!!