There are lots of different terms used to describe the route to adopting babies and toddlers, which can sometimes be confusing.

You may have come across terms such as Early Permanence and Fostering for Adoption during your research. On this page, we’ve explained what Early Permanence means, how it works and what it could mean for you and the children waiting for a loving family.

Download our Adopter Guide to Early Permanence HERE

Understanding Early Permanence

Early Permanence is a term you might have heard or read about during your research. It is an umbrella term for a type of care planning which provides babies and toddlers whose long-term future plans are yet to be decided by a Judge with the opportunity to live with a family who may become their adoptive family at a much earlier stage than through traditional adoption.

Early Permanence is a child centred practice that is also known as Fostering for Adoption.

How does Early Permanence work?

If you choose this route, once approved as and Early Permanence Adopter, you can be considered for children whose long-term plans are still being decided by the court.

If you have been ‘matched’ with a child, you would be temporarily be approved as an Early Permanence Carer for a specific child and you will perfume the role of foster carer whilst the Judge makes a final decision on whether or not the child can return to their birth family or extended family members.

If the plan is for the child is one of adoption, the Early Permanence Carers usually go on to adopt the child.