Useful resources
For further information and advice about adoption and fostering, including our information pack, as well as books, organisations, websites, support groups and helplines.
Be My Parent information pack
BAAF publications
Organisations and useful links
Be My Parent information pack
The Be My Parent information pack provides basic information on adoption and fostering, and a list of UK adoption and fostering agencies and other useful organisations.
Download the information pack on adoption and fostering.
If you would like us to send you an information pack and an introductory copy of the Be My Parent newspaper in the post, at a cost of £7.50, you will first need to register with us. Once registered and logged in, you can purchase a pack. Alternatively, please contact us.
BAAF publications
BAAF publishes a range of books on adoption and fostering, including:
The Adopter’s Handbook 'Must-have' guide to the adoption process.
Adopting a child BAAF’s bestselling beginner’s guide to adoption.
Fostering a child Guide for people interested in fostering.
An Adoption Diary True story of the adoption of a two-year old child.
Could you be my parent? Inspiring collection of personal accounts.
For children, BAAF publishes a range of picture books that deal with issues relating to adoption and fostering in a child-friendly way including
worries, memories, family structures and loss. Practical children's guides are also available on a range of topics including adoption, fostering, contact and life story work.
Find out more and order BAAF publications.
Organisations and useful links
Please contact us if you would like to add your organisation's details to this list.
Adoption and fostering support
British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF)
Adoption and Fostering in the UK Online forum for adopters and foster carers.
Adoption register for England and Wales Matching approved families and waiting children.
Adoption Information Line General information about adoption.
Adoption Net Central resource for people considering adopting or fostering.
Adoption Support
Adoption UK Supporting adoptive families before, after and during adoption.
After Adoption Support for adopted people and adoptive and birth families.
Channel 4 Adoption Experience A unique online gathering of first-hand experience around everything to do with adoption, including video testimonies from adopters, social workers and others.
Direct Gov: What is adoption? Government guide to adoption.
Fostering Information Line General information about fostering.
Fostering Network
Foster Talk Professional support and advice for foster carers.
Hands On Scotland Toolkit for supporting children's emotional wellbeing.
International Foster Care Organisation International foster care network.
New Family Social Online adoption group run for and by lesbian, gay and bisexual adopters and prospective adopters.
ParentsCentre (DfES) Government resource with information for parents.
Post-Adoption Centre Support for birth relatives, adopted children, adoptive parents and professionals.
Simply Fostering Raises general interest in fostering and recruits foster carers.
Legal and financial matters
Every Child Matters (Adoption) Government resource about adoption.
Every Child Matters (Fostering) Government resource about fostering.
Adoption leave (BERR) Guide to adoption leave and pay.
Family Rights Group Independent advice for families involved with social services.
HM Courts Service Legal guide to adoption.
CAFCASS Children and Family Court Advisory & Support Service.
Information for adopted or fostered children and young people
Carelaw Guide for young people in care.
CAFCASS Children and Family Court Advisory & Support Service.
After Adoption Support for adopted people, adoptive families and birth relatives.
Who Cares? Trust National charity for children in care.
Intercountry adoption
Intercountry Adoption (DCSF) Government guide to adopting from abroad.
Intercountry Adoption Centre UK-based organisation that provides information and advice to families and professionals.
Overseas Adoption Support and Information Service Membership-based service.
Health, disability and special needs
Contact a Family Information and support for health conditions and disabilities.
Department of Health Health and social care policy and guidance.
NHS Direct Information on health conditions.
Parents for Children Charity that specialises in finding families for children with exceptional needs.
Information for adopted or fostered adults and birth relatives
Adopted Children Register Record of all adoptions granted by courts in England and Wales since 1927.
Adoption Search and Reunion First port of call for anyone thinking about searching for or making contact with birth and adopted relatives.
After Adoption Support for adopted people, adoptive families and birth relatives.
NORCAP For adults affected by adoption.
Natural Parents Network
Birthlink Adoption Contact Register for Scotland For adopted adults only.
General Register Office Scotland
General Register Office Northern Ireland
Last updated: 03 March 10
