Find out about adoption

Find out if you can adopt

Basic criteria

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

Get ready for adoption

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.

Contact us

Contact the adoption team on:

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Enquire about adoption