Our Information & Advice Line is open to members of the general public thinking about adopting from abroad, who live in one of our partner local authorities. The full list of these local authorities is available here. We can answer any query relating to adopting a child. This includes the process involved in adopting from abroad, eligibility issues and the differences in adopting from the UK. We cannot offer legal advice unfortunately as we are not a legal practice but we can recommend firms who are experienced in adoption and immigration law.
The Information & Advice Line is open every weekday from 10.00am to 1.00pm. The only number for the Advice Line is 020 8447 4753. During the pandemic we are operating an answerphone service and returning all calls, so one of the contact methods below might be easier. Otherwise one of our team will return your call as soon as possible.
If you are thinking about adoption, the most popular way to reach us for the first time is by using our Enquiry Form here. If you have already completed this form the best way to follow up is by emailing us at info@icacentre.org.uk Please quote your reference number so we can locate your information for you.
We also offer an Information & Advice Line via the Outbound Permanence Service for professionals working with children in the UK who need to be placed abroad. This service is now managed by CoramBAAF, please contact outbound@corambaaf.org.uk or visit the CoramBAAF website for more information.
The best way to help those affected by the war is through recognised organisations where donations will go directly to those in need in Ukraine. Please also check your local community websites as may organisations are working very hard on a range of initiatives to help make a difference.
The Sanctuary Foundation is also running a range of programmes, including the sponsorship of Ukrainian families to come to the UK and is another great way to offer support that will change lives.
We are not currently taking applications to adopt from Ukraine as the regular systems are unable to be facilitated during the war. If you are enquiring about a child in your family who has been orphaned please contact our team for advice as detailed below, but please note that no Ukrainian child may be adopted or cared for by a foreigner* without the consent of the Ukrainian government. *This may include family members.
Links to Appeals
https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
https://www.wearelumos.org/get-involved/ukraine-appeal/
If you work for an organisation that subscribes to our services please use the dedicated contact details which have been provided to your organisation.
120 Cockfosters Road
Barnet
EN4 0DZ
Main Office: 020 8449 2562 (not Advice Line)
Nearest Underground Station: Cockfosters (Piccadilly Line)
Nearest Parking: There is plenty of free parking on Westpole Avenue and Mount Pleasant. Chalk Lane is a restricted zone but has parking between 9:30AM - 4:30PM. Alternatively, there is parking at Cockfosters Underground Station adjacent to the office (you will need the PaybyPhone app).