Adoption fees
Most families will be expected to be able to financially meet the costs of one child within their family. Occasionally, where there are special circumstances related to the child's needs and depending upon your financial circumstances, an adoption allowance may be available. Walsall will pay adoption allowances for sibling groups, disabled children and children who have particular therapeutic needs for a limited time period. However, all financial provision is subject to a means test and is reviewed on an annual basis.
There will also be a court fee at the time of making the adoption application; this is currently £160 per child. In the majority of cases this cost is met by the local authority.
A solicitor will not normally be required, as any legal complications will usually be dealt with by children's services during the course of Care and Placement Order proceedings. Contested adoptions need a solicitor. It may be possible for the local authority to meet the costs of contested adoption cases.
Once a child is placed with you, you are entitled to receive child benefit. Some children with disabilities are also eligible for state benefits in their own right.
Contact us
Walsall Adoption Service
Pinfold Health Centre
Field Road
Bloxwich
Walsall
WS3 3JJ
Enquiries Freephone 0800 923 3706
All other calls 0845 111 2839
Email familyplacementsservices@walsall.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 05 December 2011