The procedure for those wishing to adopt a child form overseas is set out in Home Office Document RON117. The following step-by step outline is summarised form a guide to inter-country adoption produced by the Overseas Adopting Helpline, whose address is given below. But beware: the procedure varies from country to country, and even within Britain.
1.Applicants contact their local authority social services department (SSD).
2.SSD completes Home Study Report in accordance with British requirements and those of authorities in chosen overseas country.
3.SSD send Home Study, medical and police references to the Department of Health.
4.If the Department of Health supports the application, a Department of Health Certificate is issued.
5.Where required the Department of Health co-ordinates notarisation of all papers.
6.The Department of Health forwards all papers to Foreign and Commonwealth Office for legalisation. Under some circumstances the applicants themselves should complete part of this procedure.  
7.Papres are returned to the Department of Health.
8.The Department of Health forwards Papers to relevant Embassy or Consulate.
9.Embassy or Consulate arranges translation of documents in Britain or once sent to country.

10.Agency in country consider applications.
11.If approved, agency in country identifies child.
12.Prospective adopters travel to meet child.
13.Adopters apply for British Entry Clearance for child as soon as his/her details known.
14.Adopters fulfil country's conditions and requirements for adoption hearing (or equivalent) in that country.
15.Following adoption (or equivalent) in child's country, British Entry Clearance procedure is completed.
16.Adopters and child travel to Britain.
17.Adopters inform SSD of their intention of adopt under British Law.
18.Adopting order made by British Court.
Some useful addresses:
1.British Agencies for Adopting and Fostering (for general information on adoption including ICA Medical Forms)
Skyline House, 200 Union Street, London SE1 0LY(0171-5932000)

2.Childlink Adoption Society

10 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, London SW4 7NQ(0171-4981933)

3.Department of Health(for procedures and legal requirements)

Social Care Group, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG(0171-9724347)

4.Department of Health and Social Services

Child Care Branch, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast B24 3SF(01232-520000)

5.Home Office(for information on immigration and entry clearance, including Document RON117 on how to adopt from overseas)

Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Lunar House, Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 2BY (0181-6860688)

6.OASIS(Oversea Adoption Support and Information Service)

Dany Graig Cottage, Balaclave Road, Glais, Swansea SA7 9HJ

7.Overseas Adoption Helpline

34 Upper Street, London N1 0PN (0171-2267666)

8.Parent to Parent Information on Adoption Services

Lower Boddington, Daventry, Northants NN11 6YB

9.STORK(Association for families who have adopted from abroad)

71 Chelsham road, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 6HZ(0181-6805623)