Q. I was adopted, how do I trace my birth mother/father?
This depends on your age and what information you already have. For advice and information regarding this contact Oldham Adoption Service on 0161 770 6605 or the After Adoption Service in Manchester (tel: 0161 839 4930).
Q. Is there an age limit for adopters?
There is a minimum age of 21 years. No upper age limit as your circumstances, health and the age of the child/children you wish to adopt would be considered.
Q. Where else can I find out information about adoption?
From Oldham Adoption Service on 0161 770 6605 and from the Oldham website.
Q. What sort of people can adopt a child?
People who adopt should represent the wider community and the needs of children – married, single, all ages. For further information contact Oldham Adoption Service on 0161 770 6605.
Q. What is the process for becoming an adopter?
The process involves an assessment of you which is undertaken by an adoption social worker. This assessment is then considered by an Adoption Panel. Further information can be obtained from Oldham Adoption Service on 0161 770 6605.
Q. What is the Adoption Register?
This is a National Register which aims to link children who need adoptive families with approved adopters.
Q. What if I want to adopt a child from overseas?
It is possible to adopt from overseas in certain circumstances, but you are still required to be assessed and approved as an adopter. For further information contact the Oldham Adoption Service on 0161 770 6605.
Q. What if I have a criminal conviction?
There are certain criminal convictions (e.g. offences against children) which would prevent you becoming an adopter.
Q. Is financial assistance given to adopters?
In some cases. For example, if you have previously fostered your child, you are adopting a sibling group or your adopted child has a disability.
Q. I was adopted. How do I find out where my adoption records are?
By getting advice from Oldham Adoption Service on 0161 770 6605 or contacting the Adoption Section at the Office for National Statistics General Register Office, Southport on 0151 471 4313.
Q. I gave a child up for adoption and they will now be an adult, I would like to try and trace them, what can I do?
Contact any of the following for advice:
Q. How do I find out about adoption in Oldham?
If you are interested in adoption, please contact Oldham Adoption Service– 0161 770 6605 and/or if you are considering placing your child for adoption, the Duty and Initial Assessment Team, Royton Town Hall on 0161 770 3791.
Q. Does it matter if my accommodation is small?
No, as long as your accommodation is adequate for the child’s age.
Q. Do I have to be married to adopt a child?
No. Single people can adopt.
Q. Do I have to be a British Citizen to adopt a child?
Yes. You have to be a British Citizen to adopt.
Q. If I have already adopted one child, how long must I wait if I want to adopt another?
This depends on your individual circumstances.
Private fostering is very different from the care of children provided by local councils through approved foster carers. Private fostering is when a child under 16 (if disabled, under 18) is cared for for more than 28 days by an adult who is not a relative and this is a private arrangement between parent and carer.
A private foster carer must advise their local Social Services of their intent to foster at least 6 weeks in advance or within 48 hours if the child was placed in an emergency.
The Council, through it’s Social Services department, is required to ensure that these private arrangements meet the client/young person’s needs and there may also be help and support available through the Council and other agencies to support the carer.
Q. How do I find out about fostering in Oldham?
There is lots of information on fostering on our 'Fostering in Oldham' webpage.
We also have a series of 'Fact sheets' on fostering in Oldham.
You can also find leaflets about fostering in Oldham in most Social Services offices, or you can contact direct the Family Placement Team at Unit 10 Whitney Court
Southlink Business Park
Oldham OL4 1DB
Tel: 0161 770 6600.
Information can be provided in a range of languages – English, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu and Bengali leaflet versions.