Who needs adoption?

Who are the children available for adoption?

There are very few young babies available for adoption and those that are available generally come from complex backgrounds.

Many other children in care could be adopted if families were available for them. These children have needs above the average, due to their experience of separation. They include children of all ages, groups of young brothers and sisters, children with physical or learning disabilities, or developmental delay.

There are no specific criteria laid down for those wishing to adopt children. Applicants must show a high degree of sensitivity and patience. Re-parenting a hurt child requires a special type of understanding, and the Agency is committed to preparing and supporting your family for as long as it takes to settle the child or children with you. We recognise adoption as a life long process and adoptive parents can ask for support at any time.

The county council is keen to place more children from care for adoption as we know that children who cannot live with their birth families develop best in adoptive families. In some cases Adoption Allowance is payable.