Barnardo's fostering and adoption

Frequently asked questions


Am I too old/young to apply?

You must be at least 21 to adopt. There is no specific upper age limit but you do have to be able to look after a child throughout childhood and beyond. We will tell you if we feel your age may affect your likelihood of being linked with a child.

Do I need a big house?

No, but you need to have enough room for the children you plan to adopt.

Can I adopt if I already have a child?

Yes. We need to take the age and needs of any existing children into account as part of the assessment and preparation process.

Do we have to be married/in a civil partnership?

No, but if you are applying as a couple we need to know that this is a stable relationship. We would normally expect a couple to have lived together for at least 2 years.

What financial support is available?

Most adopters are entitled to adoption leave and pay, for more information see the Directgov page on adoption leave and pay.

You will normally get child benefit. You may be eligible for some additional financial support through the local authority which places the child. Your need for financial support will be considered as part of an adoption support plan. We will look in more detail at your finances as part of the assessment process.

What about health/disability issues?

Applicants must be fit enough to meet the child’s needs and must be willing to undergo a full medical examination by their own GP. If there are any health/disability issues you think may affect your application please raise these with us at an early stage.

What is Barnardo’s policy on smoking?

It is unlikely that a local authority will place a child for adoption with adoptive parents who smoke. This based on evidence of the harmful effects of exposure of tobacco smoke.

I have a criminal record, will I be barred from adopting?

All applicants will be subject to a criminal record check (CRB). Certain offences are an absolute bar to adoption. Please be open with us about any offences as a failure to disclose will be viewed seriously.

Can I apply whilst still undergoing fertility treatment?

We recommend delaying an adoption application until any fertility treatment is completed and to allow a time to recover from this. We know that many people want to start enquiries about adoption whilst still undergoing treatment and you can use this time to research adoption and to find out more about the needs of children waiting.

Is this the right time to start the process?

It is not advisable to embark on the assessment and preparation process if there is any significant change happening in your life. The worker preparing your report needs to be able to get to know you and if there are major changes happening the report may not reflect the real you. Examples of situations where we have advised people to delay before progressing have been when relationships are fairly new, there has been a recent bereavement or loss, or other stress factors in the family.

We may also advise you to delay if you have a child close in age to the age range you are considering.

Is there a Barnardo’s adoption team in my area?

We currently have adoption services in the following regions:

  • London and South east
  • East Anglia
  • Yorkshire
  • The North East
  • Wales

Please use our interactive map to find your nearest service.

We may be able to take up applications from other parts of the UK. Please contact us for further information, or if you have any questions not covered here.