Online forms back online
Our online forms are now available and you can submit applications. Our provider, Granicus have investigated and resolved the issue. We'll continue to monitor the system. Apologies for any inconvenience caused earlier.
Adopting with us
Adoption and who can apply.
Adoption is the best part of our lives. Watching our children together, thriving and enjoying life is what family is about.
Can I adopt?
Adoption could be for you whatever your age, ethnicity, religion or background.
We'd love to hear from you if you are:
- aged 21 or over - there is no upper age limit
- single, married or in a civil partnership
Essentially, we look for people who can provide a nurturing, stable home for a child or children.
There are some reasons why adoption might not be right for you. You can read more about this in our information pack, but if you are unsure, please don't rule yourself out.
If you think there is any reason you might not be considered:
Telephone: 01582 547 804
I thought you had to have a partner to adopt. I wasted so much time. When I eventually made the call the staff were so helpful. I am on my way to finally having the family I so wanted.
Children waiting to be adopted
Children come into the care system for many different reasons.
Children waiting to be adopted:
- are different ages: newborn and older
- are from a range of different ethnicities and faith backgrounds
- may have had difficult experiences
- may need to be adopted with their brothers and sisters
- may have medical needs or a disability
The adoption process
The process is quicker than you think.
You can become an approved adopter within 6 months.
Initial enquiry – at your pace
Complete our initial enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you have questions you want to ask before applying, you may want to get in touch first.
The initial enquiry does not commit you to anything. It is a chance for us to get in touch, tell you more about adoption and check you meet the basic criteria.
We can send you an information pack and you can have a face-to-face meeting with one of our team if you would like.
Registration and checks – up to 2 months
If you’ve met the basic criteria it’s time to register your interest in becoming an adoptive parent with us. This starts the formal evaluation process
We carry out checks including medical and criminal background checks, as well as asking for references
Assessment, training and approval – up to 4 months
The main part of the assessment involves your social worker getting to know you and your family over a series of visits
You will also receive training to give you the skills you need to be an adoptive parent
Your social worker will write a report for the adoption panel that will recommend whether you are suitable to become an adoptive parent
Matching you with the right child
There is no fixed time period as it depends on finding the right match. If we have had a child in mind from early on, this stage could be quite short.
We start working to try and find the right child for you
Your social worker will discuss suitable children with you. A matching panel makes the final decision
Moving in – varies
Once the match has been approved, a series of introductory visits help you and the child get to know each other before they move in
After a period of living together, and when the time feels right, you can apply to become the child's legal parent
The process to become approved can be hard work, but the rewards are just immeasurable.
Ready to apply?
If you are ready to apply, please complete our initial enquiry form.
Still have questions?
Adoption information evenings
A chance for you to find out more, ask questions and talk to adoptive parents.
More about information evenings
Adoption from overseas
Please contact IAC, who offer a support service for intercountry adoption.
Intercountry adoption centre website - The centre for adoption