Answering adoption questions and supporting your journey
Adoption can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of uncertainty. And sometimes even unhelpful assumptions.
Assumptions can turn into barriers and stop potential adopters from starting their journey, leaving children waiting far longer than they should for the love and stability they need and deserve. We can help you explore whether adoption is right for you and support you in your preparation to adopt.
Adoption Connects is here to remove barriers to adoption, answer questions and give you the support and advice you need to make adoption happen at the right time for you.
Should I adopt a child?
This question isn’t answered by your relationship status, ethnicity, sexuality, or faith. What matters most is whether you have time, love, resilience and space in your life to offer a child a safe and supportive home and family to flourish in.
If you’re over 21 and have a safe, stable home, you may already meet the key criteria for adopting. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or receiving benefits, becoming a parent by adoption could happen for you.
Have questions? We’re here to help. Many of our friendly team members have personal experience with adoption and would love to answer your questions, big or small.
Call 0300 300 8090 to chat to someone or send us a message.
Children waiting for adoption need your help
There are less people wanting to adopt than ever before in the UK.
The number of children waiting to be adopted in the UK is growing, but the number of adopters is falling. Every child deserves a home, but some face significantly longer waiting times for adoption:
sibling groups often wait 11 months longer than others
children with disabilities, and those aged 5 or older, tend to wait over a year longer to be adopted
black children often wait the longest of all.
What might be stopping you from adoption?
It’s okay to take your time. There’s no pressure or deadline, you can explore adoption at your own pace.
You might have questions such as: do I need to be married to adopt? What if English isn’t my first language? Or, does it matter where I live? That’s completely normal. Use the helpful frequently asked questions from You Can Adopt to get your questions about adoption answered. Or, reach out to us directly – we’re always happy to talk.
Not ready to talk to someone yet, but want to know more? Use our online adoption readiness tool to explore information on adoption requirements, finances and your lifestyle.
Help and support for adoption
Every child and adoptive family are different, so we tailor our support to fit your needs throughout the entire journey, from your first questions to life after adoption.
Support from Adoption Connects
We’re here to help with practical concerns like housing and finances, and to offer advice on adoption in unique situations, such as step-parent adoption.
After adoption, our guidance and support continue with help around school challenges, youth groups for adopted children, meeting additional health needs, and in some cases, travel costs where needed.
National support for adoptive families - join a community
Across the UK, you’ll find support groups for adoption and many community events for adoptive families. Drop-ins, coffee mornings and peer support help you connect with other adoptive families, individuals and couples. These meet-ups are a chance to build your own network and know that you’re not alone.
Find adoption support and networking events near you with the charity Adoption UK. Or use the resources and support for adoptive LGBTQ+ families offered by New Family Social.
How to start adoption process
Looking for a helpful first step? Attend an online or in-person adoption information session with us. You’ll get an overview of the adoption process, and we’ll answer any questions you might have.
Choosing to adopt is a life-changing decision. If you’re feeling uncertain, you’re not alone. Call us on 0300 300 8090 and let us walk through it with you. We’re happy to talk through your worries, hear your hopes and listen to all that you have to offer a child.
Every adoptive family looks different. If you can’t see yourself represented on this page or our website, that’s because we need you to join us! You could be the person, couple or family a child is looking for.
Read real-life adoptee stories to learn more about the opportunities and joys of adoption. See how your life could change and benefit from adopting.