What is adoption?

Adoption gives a child a new family when living with their own family is not possible. It is the means of giving a child an opportunity to start again. For many children, adoption may be their only chance of experiencing family life.

The adoption process

To be eligible for adoption the child must be under the age of 18 years and a child for whom returning home to their parents is not possible. If the child is married or has been married, they cannot be adopted.

An Adoption Order severs all legal ties with the birth family and gives rights and responsibilities to the new adoptive family. The birth parents no longer have any legal rights over the child and they are not entitled to claim them back.

The child becomes a full member of their new family. They take the surname and assume the same rights and privileges as if they had been born to you, including the right of inheritance.

Bringing up a child is mutually rewarding and great fun, as well as being hard work and a big responsibility. This is especially so when you choose to bring up a child who was not born to you.

Who can adopt?

Adoption agencies make decisions about who is suitable to adopt. An adoption agency is your local Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust or voluntary adoption agency. You must be at least 21 to be able to adopt a child not related to you.

Beyond this, agencies usually consider each applicant's circumstances on a case-by-case basis. They look at a wide range of factors but their primary concern is to ensure the person can meet the needs of a child into adulthood.