Fostering and adoption

Who can adopt?

 

It takes all sorts

Children and young people come from all types of backgrounds but they all need families to help them live their lives to the full. If it is impossible for a child to return to their birth family, adoption can be the best solution.

 

Adoption means that a child has a secure, caring, permanent home and the benefits of a supportive environment. And because there is no such thing as a typical child, theres no such thing as a typical adopter either.

 

There are lots of myths about who can adopt. The main priority for anyone considering adoption is that they must be able to offer the child a stable, loving home until the child becomes independent. They must be able to understand and provide for the childs needs and help them to reach their full potential.

 

Adopters don't have to be:

  • Married: you can be single, married or in a relationship. Your sexuality is irrelevant. The main thing is that your home life if stable.
  • Under 40: each application from would-be adoptive parents is looked at on its own merits. Age is only one of many factors that is considered in assessing whether adoption is right for you. Applications are welcome from people of all ages who feel they can offer a child a secure home life.
  • Wealthy: you dont have to earn a particular amount of money to consider adoption. The Adoption Team will be able to tell you more about this and what help you may be able to receive.

Adopters do need to be:

  • Committed: the adoption process is very rigorous so you will need to be sure that adoption is the right thing for you. We are there to help you consider all the issues and support you through the process.
  • Interested: you must show a real interest in children and be prepared to invest time and energy in developing your relationship with an adopted child.
  • Aware: you must be aware that adopting a child is very rewarding but can also be challenging. You will need to accept that an adoptive child has a past and that it can be important for a child to retain links with his or her birth family.

Contact

Email: adoption@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Tel: 01446 729600

Vale of Glamorgan Council, Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry CF63 4RU, Tel: (01446) 700111