When a child is placed for adoption, the adopters will also obtain a share of 'Parental Responsibility', together with the local authority. The legal definition of 'parental responsibility' is vague, and the local authority will determine the extent to which responsibility is delegated to the adopters at this point.

Adopters will be making the vast majority of the day-to-day decisions regarding the child themselves, in the same way as other parents. It is neither practical nor desirable for adopters to be dependent on the local authority for minor decisions, or for adopters to feel that the involvement of the local authority is disruptive to a normal family routine. However, the local authority will need to be kept informed of a child's progress and general welfare, and to be able to exercise a general supervisory role. Although the local authority is legally empowered to intervene on any decision relating to a child, common sense and mutual goodwill means that in the vast majority of cases, Social Workers and Adopters are able to work together in partnership rather than conflict.

Once an Adoption Order is granted (see the Legal process section), Parental Responsibility is transferred completely from the Local Authority to the adopters.