Who can adopt?

There are lots of myths and about who can and cannot adopt. In reality, there are very few blanket rules about who can adopt. We need people from all walks of life to be adoptive parents because children placed for adoption also come from a variety of backgrounds. Every child is an individual and will have individual needs - we need parents who are just as varied to meet those needs.

The most important thing that we look for in prospective adopters is the desire to be a parent and commit themselves to a child or children long-term. Adopters also need to have a realistic understanding of the particular needs of children who are waiting to be adopted. They must be willing to work with professionals in the adoption service to prepare for adoption and support their child before, during and after adoption. They will also need to be aware of the different stages of adoption and understand the time it can sometimes take. We aim to match children with adoptive parents within six months of adopters being approved, but our priority is making sure that a match is right and that both parties are ready.

You can adopt whether you are:

• Single, married or living together
• Gay, heterosexual or bisexual
• Disabled
• Working, self-employed or unemployed
• Any age over 21
• Any ethnic group
• From any religion or not religious
• Childless, or already have your own birth or adopted children

Get in touch with us and we can advise you on your personal situation. We will send you an Adoption Information Pack which includes a more detailed breakdown. Don’t rule yourself out - adoption is an option!

You can try doing these BBC quizzes to help you think about the practical considerations and emotional issues involved in adopting a child.  

Does it matter where I live?