Frequently asked questions

> Who can join BAAF?
> What's the minimum period of membership?
> Is membership restricted to the UK?
> What does it cost?
> Is the membership fee tax deductible?
> Is VAT charged on membership fees?
> What are the benefits of membership?
> Will I be able to choose the publications I receive?
> What does BAAF offer to independent fostering providers?
> I'm a foster carer/prospective adopter or adoptive parent. Is BAAF for me?
> I'm a Medical Adviser/Legal Adviser to an agency that is a BAAF member. Must I become an individual member in order to join the Legal or Health Group?
> I'm a doctor or nurse for a Primary Care Trust that is a BAAF member. Must I become an individual member in order to join the Health Group?
> Are the Health and Legal Groups open only to doctors and lawyers?
> I'm a student. May I join the Research Group?
> Do you have any more questions?

Who can join BAAF?

Any individual or organisation with an interest in the care of children may join BAAF.

What's the minimum period of membership?

Individual membership is for 12 months from the date of joining, whatever month that may be. Agency membership is for 12 months from 1 April or 6 months from 1 October.

Is membership restricted to the UK?

No. We welcome members from any part of the world. If you are an organisation approved in accordance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption the membership approval process will be expedited.

How much does it cost?

Please read our page for the type of membership you are interested in - individual, or organisationsal. Individual members can save £5 by paying by direct debit when they renew their membership. The lower rate is charged in the first year of membership regardless of the method of payment.

Is the membership fee tax deductible?

We can give no guarantee but individual members who have a professional interest in the care of children usually find that the membership fee is tax deductible. It may help if you quote Inland Revenue reference T1644/53/1978/NC.

Is VAT charged on membership fees?

VAT is payable on the membership fees paid by agencies in the UK but not on the part of the fee that is for publications.

What are the benefits of membership?

Please read these pages: Individual members
Associate organisational members
Full organisational members

Will I be able to choose the publications I receive?

All members receive our quarterly journal, Adoption and Fostering. Individual members may choose 3 and associate member agencies may choose 6 other publications from the current year's publication programme - not from our catalogue. We are not able to offer a choice of publications to full member agencies but the publications provided vary according to the agency type.

What does BAAF offer to independent fostering providers?

Over 140 independent fostering providers now benefit from BAAF membership. We believe that this is clear evidence of the value of belonging to BAAF.

We hold "focus groups" for full member IFPs every three months. At these meetings we are able to hear about the current needs and concerns of our IFP members and share with them our latest information, advice, ideas and plans.

I'm a foster carer/prospective adopter or adoptive parent. Is BAAF for me?

You don't have to be professionally involved to find BAAF membership worthwhile. BAAF welcomes foster carers, prospective adopters and adoptive parents.

I'm a Medical Adviser/Legal Adviser to an agency that is a BAAF member. Must I become an individual member in order to join the Legal or Health Group?

No. You may have membership of the appropriate Group without becoming an individual member of BAAF. However, you will not receive the same membership benefits as individual members. In particular, we will not send you the Adoption & Fostering journal, nor will you be able to choose 3 other free publications.

I'm a doctor or nurse for a Primary Care Trust that is a BAAF member. Must I become an individual member in order to join the Health Group?

No. You may have membership of the Health Group without becoming an individual member of BAAF. However, you will not receive the same membership benefits as individual members. In particular, we will not send you the Adoption & Fostering journal, nor will you be able to choose 3 other free publications.

Are the Health and Legal Groups open only to doctors and lawyers?

No. The Health Group includes nurses, psychologists, social workers, academics etc. Children's guardians/curators ad litem, social workers and others belong to the Legal Group. You need to have an appropriate qualification or be qualified by experience.

I'm a student. May I join the Research Group?

If you are a BA, MA or PhD student in a relevant discipline you are eligible for membership of the Research Group. The Group is also open to professional researchers and those interested in and applying relevant research.

Do you have any more questions?

Get in touch with our Membership Officer John Pratt - email john.pratt@baaf.org.uk or call 020 7421 2635.