We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
The adoption process - eligibility, assessment, adoption agencies, adoption court orders, overseas adoptions and the rights of birth parents.
To be adopted, a child must: be under the age of 18 when the adoption…
To adopt a child you can go through either: an adoption agency that’s part…
Once the agency gets your application it will do the following: Invite you…
To make an adoption legal, you need to apply for an adoption court order.…
You need to tell your local council if you want to adopt your spouse’s or…
You can adopt a child from overseas if: they cannot be cared for in a safe…
For another couple (or person) to adopt your child, you normally have to…
Apply to adopt a child through your local council if you are 21 or over and can offer a stable home to a child
Use form SC6 if you're an employee, are adopting a child from abroad and need to claim Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) and Leave.
Your Statutory Adoption Pay and Leave - what you get, how to claim and eligibility
What the fund is for and how to apply for it.
Fostering or adopting a child, including from abroad, and being a surrogate mother
What to do if you are planning to adopt a child in China.
Work out your Statutory Adoption Leave dates - Ordinary and Additional Adoption Leave period, notice period and earliest start date
What to do if you are planning to adopt a child in the Philippines.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab).