Find out about adoption

To adopt a child you need to:

• be over 21
• live in a settled accommodation which can provide a safe environment for a child, with a spare bedroom for exclusive use of the child
• be able to provide space and time to meet the child's needs
• have lived in the UK for at least one year, or one member of the couple must be a resident of the UK
• have a valid DBS certificate

The best way to find out if you can adopt and see if you are ready to start the adoption process, is by using our adoption readiness tool.

By answering a few simple questions you’ll get a personalised readiness plan to help you prepare to take the next step.

The tool is anonymous and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

Using the tool will help you find out:

• if you can adopt
• what’s involved in adoption
• the training and support you’ll receive
• what steps you can take to get ready

Find out if you can adopt.

You can also find further information about adoption on the national Adoption England website.

Adoption England offer examples of adopter's experiences from across the country as well as more information about specific areas such as Early Permanence and children who need adopting.

Contact the adoption team on:

• 01494 586 349
• [email protected]
• the enquiry form below

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.