Adoption needs careful consideration so take a look at our brief guide to what you'll face if you decide to set the ball in motion.

First Interview This is a question and answer session, giving you the chance to explore issues that concern you about adoption, as well as answer questions on your motives and expectations.

Formal Application You will be asked to provide references and authorise statutory checks, including a health check-up, an examination of your medical history and a police check.

Providing Referees Selected nominated friends of yours will meet with the adoption agency to provide verbal and written references.

Ready to Go You will attend group workshops to learn about parenting and the problems associated with bringing up an adopted child. A social worker also makes about six visits to your home and completes a home study.

Pooling Information Everything about you is pulled together in an assessment report known as a 'Form F', which is sent to the adoption agency.

The Adoption Panel This can have six to ten members comprising social workers, a medical adviser, a management representative and at least three independent members (with direct experience of adoption) who will accept or reject your application.

Rejection – what to do This may be reviewed by the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM), which was launched in April 2004. The adoption agency must take into account the IRM's recommendation when making its final decision.

Approval – next steps When this happens the agency attempts to match you with a child. You'll be asked to identify the ideal age of the child you are looking for and the degree of 'damage' you can cope with, in terms of disability, abuse or mental problems. In addition to these considerations, the agency will only match you with a child of a similar religious and cultural background.

Initial Introduction The time you spend with your child- to-be at their foster home can vary from a week to a month.

The adoption is still not legally recognised until at least three months after the child moves in with you. After that time, an adoption order can be applied for, which makes you the child's legal parents.

For information on where to start if you're considering adoption, call Adoption UK's helpline on 0870 7700 450 or send an email to helpdesk@adoptionuk.org.uk.

You can also visit the BAAF website to find contact details of its regional offices, where staff offer advice and professional consultancy on adoption and fostering.