Who Can Adopt A Child
Think you could adopt a child? Ask yourself these questions:
- Can you provide love, time and commitment to a child?
- Can you empathise with a child who may never have experienced the security of feeling safe and loved?
- Can you be patient and flexible, to supportively adapt to whatever unique challenges may come from the child’s circumstances?
- Do you have the energy and health to provide a long-term family for a child?
If you believe the answer to all those questions is yes, then there is a good chance you could be an adoptive parent.
Watch Liz, an adoption agency social worker talk about what they look for in an adoptive parent.
People who adopt a child can be
- Single, married or unmarried
- From any ethnic or religious background
- Heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender
- A homeowner or living in rented accommodation
- Employed or on benefits
- Those who have children or who have none
- People thinking of adopting for a second time
Other factors to consider
Can I adopt if I’m registered disabled?
Being disabled doesn’t exclude you from adopting a child. In fact, experience of disability can sometimes be an advantage.
What about my health?
Your health doesn’t exclude you from adopting, although you do need to be fit enough to cope with the rigours of parenting! What health issues will affect my application?
Is my house big enough?
Adoption Agencies normally prefer that prospective adopters have a spare bedroom for a child placed for adoption. There may be some flexibility, depending on the age of the child and the possibility of converting existing accommodation to create an extra bedroom.
Will I be able to adopt if I own pets?
Adoption Agencies need to be sure that any pets that you own do not pose a threat to children’s health or safety. Also, some children may suffer from allergies which would prevent placement with some pets. A report from a vet may be requested.
