There's a lot of misconceptions about adoption. So, let's bust some of the most common myths.
“I’m too old”
No such thing. If you’ve the energy to adopt lively children, then you are not too old to adopt.
Legally potential adopters need to be over the age of 21, however, there is no legal upper age limit. Older adopters can bring significant life experience and ability to their adopting, and the young people involved can thrive under the steadying, calming influence of an older adoptive parent.
All we ask is that you have the energy and experience to be able to meet the needs of the children throughout their childhood and hopefully beyond.
“I’m single”
Being single is not a barrier to adopting. Single people can make wonderful adoptive parents.
Whether you’re single or in a couple, a homeowner or renting, a parent or not and whatever your marital status or sexual orientation – it really doesn't matter. It’s your ability to meet a young person’s needs that is important, not your marital status.
As long as you want to make a difference to a child's life and have the time and commitment to support a child - you could be the special person they need.
“I rent”
No problem.
Whether you are renting or a homeowner with a mortgage makes no difference to your ability to give a young person a secure, safe and nurturing place they can call home.
We just ask that you have space in your home to accommodate the children you want to adopt and that you can offer a safe and secure home environment for the children or young people. If you can do that, then you can adopt.
The important thing is that you have the time and commitment to care for a child or young person.
“I’m male”
Men can be great adoptive parents too. Approximately half of our adopters are men.
The key thing is being able to model a safe and nurturing lifestyle for a child in your care. When a single man adopts, he needs to be able to offer opportunities for both male and female positive role model experiences for adoptive children.
Being a single male adopter can have a hugely positive and therapeutic effect on many adopted children who have experienced male carers who may have been abusive or absent.
“I’m LGBTQ+”
Bring it on. We support people from all walks of life in becoming adoptive parents, and welcome people who can bring a whole range of views, skills and life experience to the role. In fact, 13% of our adopters are gay and 6% are lesbian.
Like your marital status, your sexual orientation is not important to us when we are figuring out your ability to give a home to adopting .
Some children and young people who need adopting identify as LGBTQ+ too - and we need adoptive parents who can provide a safe and nurturing home, and who can guide and help each child to thrive in their new environment.
Success stories
Adopting a child not only makes a positive difference to their life but to your own as well. Here are some prime examples:
Who can adopt?
We welcome passionate individuals from all walks of life.
If you are over 21, have space in your home to accommodate the children you want to adopt, are a UK resident, want to make a difference to a child's life and have the time and commitment to support a child - you could be the special person they need.
It’s also important to remember that a child or young person’s religious and cultural identity plays a huge part in their development. Because of that, we are particularly looking for more adoptive families who can best support children from a Black, Asian or other Ethnic Minority background.
Whatever your journey to adoption has been so far, our experienced team will give you all the training you need to support the children in your care.
If you’re interested in becoming an adoptive family, other things we’ll consider include:
- your health
- your relationship, if you are part of one – we need to make sure each child is placed in a loving and stable home
- other children in your family – so we can take their thoughts about adoption and their needs into account as well
- criminal record – though not all convictions will stop you from adopting
- Your support networks – it is important that you have a good support system that is accessible to you and that will support you in your role as adoptive parents.
The first step – get in touch
If you’re interested in adopting with us, the first thing to do is fill in our online enquiry form.
At this stage you are not making any commitments. A member of our team will call you back to talk you through the adoption process, answer any questions you may have and ask you a few questions about yourself and your motivation to adopt.
Alternatively, you can call us on 0800 0277 280 or 0771 240 2312 - our phone lines are open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Adoption resources
Adoption near me
As the UK’s largest voluntary adoption agency, we have the resources and expertise right around the UK to give you all the support you need.
Adoption stories
What is it really like to adopt a child? Some of our adopters share their own experiences of adopting with Barnardo's.
Adoption process
We understand the decision to adopt is a huge step and we'll provide you with support every step of the way. Find out more about the journey to adoption.