Scottish Adoption Association offers a comprehensive service in relation to adoption from overseas to those living in:
Edinburgh City West Lothian East Lothian Midlothian

• Preparation

• Information & advice

• Homestudy work

• Post placement work

For those not living within the Lothian area we are currently able to offer a limited information and advice service. Edinburgh City, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian Councils require Scottish Adoption to make a charge for these services and we can provide up-to-date information on this to enquirers.

It is important to be clear that payment of such a fee does not assure a positive outcome. The fee covers the cost of processing of an application from the beginning of the group preparation programme, the homestudy, the adoption panel, liaison with the Scottish Executive, securing all required checks (and updating as necessary) and such contact as is necessary until the time a child is brought to this country.

Local authorities meet the cost of initial enquiries and early discussions and services after a child is placed.
The fee may be reduced for those who meet certain criteria defined by the local authorities.

Adoption from overseas brings additional challenges.

Applicants are encouraged to think about the country from which they hope to adopt and to find out about the processes and procedures of that country.

They need also to think about the links, feelings and experience they have of that country and the reasons that have led to their choice of country.

For some adopters there will be cultural and racial differences between parent and adopted child that bring an added, more challenging, dimension.

Each country placing children for adoption overseas has different requirements in relation to age and health checks for individuals.

Details of each country's regulations are available through the Overseas Adoption Helpline or the Department of Health website and will also be discussed with you in an initial interview.

If overseas adoption interests you then you should contact this office to arrange an appointment for an initial discussion.

Applicants are of course very welcome to attend an open meeting if undecided as to their route of choice to adoption.

Some other useful contacts include:

• Oasis, 10 Shingle Road, Shoreham, West Sussex, BN43 RH
  (Tel: 0870 241 7069)

• Adoption UK, Lower Boddington, Daventry, Northamptonshire
  (Tel: 01295 660 121)

• BAAF, 200 Union St, London
  SE1 0LX
  (Tel: 0207 593 2000)

• Overseas Adoption Helpline,
  PO Box 13899 London N6 4WB
  (Tel: 0870 516 8742)