Deciding to look into adoption is a big step and we know it comes with a lot of questions and emotions.
We’re a charity who’ve been changing childhoods and changing lives for over 150 years, so we have a wealth of knowledge and experience we’d love to use to support you.
Whether you think you're ready to start the adoption process or just want to know more, you're welcome to get in touch. There’s no pressure or commitment, just a friendly, open conversation.
We’ll always be there with emotional support and practical tools
Our preparation course
If you decide that adoption is the right path for you, you’ll receive ongoing support from a warm and caring social worker. You’ll also get the benefit of taking part in our preparation course. It covers practical parenting skills you might need as well as helping you get emotionally ready.
We found the training incredible, it prepares you so well for adoption, it’s amazing. It goes through every scenario, every possibility, you hear from real life adopters as well which is really useful. The training process really helped us feel more confident in the whole thing. It has its benefits in a way because it’s a little bit like therapy, you talk a lot about your own childhood and own upbringing, not in any way as a judgement on you, it’s just to help you process your own parenting style and how you might like to parent going forward and the best ways to do that. I suppose in a way us adopters get more preparation than any biological parent ever does really.
Lindsey
Mum to two sisters who were five and seven years old when they were adopted by her and husband Phil.
Helping your child settle with you
As much as a child may want to be part of a forever family with you, they can experience feelings of loss and separation when they move from their foster family. To help them with this we follow the University of East Anglia’s Moving to Adoption Process to help smooth the transition from fostering to adoption.
The transition from his foster parents was done gradually and he was aware something was happening, but it was still difficult for him to leave the home where he had spent his first two years. His foster carers had prepared him well and we made an audio book with pictures of every room in our home. He could press a button on each page to hear us talking to him, so he knew the house before he arrived and when we took him home for the first time he pointed at the house and said, ‘Daddy’s house’.
Anamica
Mum to Neel who was two when she adopted him with husband Prashan
Our support doesn’t stop once you’ve welcomed a child into your home, or after a fixed period of time. We’ll continue to be there for you and your child offering support and guidance. As well as having your own social worker you can build a relationship with, you’ll also have access to our 24/7 helpline staffed by qualified and experienced Barnardo’s social workers.
You’ll also be supported by Barnardo’s staff trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). We use this approach because we understand that children and young people who have been cared for by many different people, or who’ve faced tough early experiences, can find it hard to trust adults. DDP is all about working closely with you to help the child or young person feel safe and emotionally secure. Through this therapy, we’ll support you in helping them learn to trust again, one step at a time.
I didn't realise just how important and life-changing Barnardo's support is until I became an adoptive father, and my own family needed help. Barnardo's provided counselling for my child and invaluable insight and guidance so that we, as a family, could understand how we could also provide support for them during challenging times.
Jason
Adoptive father and Barnardo’s fundraiser
We’ll give you clear and honest information
We’ll make sure you always know what to expect. From your first conversation with us, we’ll take the time to explain the process in a straightforward way, there’s no jargon and no pressure.
Whether you want step-by-step guidance through each part of the adoption process, help understanding the paperwork and what’s involved or honest conversations about the joys and challenges of adoption we’re happy to answer your questions. Whether you're still deciding if adoption is right for you or ready to start the process, we’re here for you.
Find out more about adoption
What happens when you apply to adopt?
Welcoming a child or young person into your life is an incredible thing to do - and a big decision to make. We'll make sure you have the information you need to work out if it's right for you and where you are in your life, and what you can expect from the application process.
How do you know when it’s the right time to adopt?
We know that lots of people are interested in adoption but aren’t sure when is the right time to start the process. To help you decide, we talked to parents who’ve adopted and experts from Barnardo’s and asked them how you can tell when it’s the right time to adopt.
We’ll help you connect with others who understand
You’re not in this alone. We’ll connect you with other people who truly understand what it’s like - because they’ve been there themselves.
Although we’re a national agency, we have a local focus. With over 20 fostering, adoption and short break services across the UK we’re never far away. Our local adoption teams organise regular events so you can get to know other adopters near you. These gatherings are a lovely opportunity for you - and sometimes your children too - to connect with others who understand what this journey is like. Whether it’s sharing stories, offering support, or simply enjoying time together, you’ll be among people who get it.
In some areas there are also peer support groups you can be part of. These local groups are led by experienced adopters. These groups organise relaxed social activities for families, things like coffee mornings, playdates, and even day trips. The activities are shaped by the needs and friendships of those who attend, creating a supportive community that grows with you.
We offer tailored support for LGBT+ parents
If you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or identify in a different way as part of the part of the LGBT+ community and you’re thinking about starting or growing your family, we’d love to hear from you.
As part of our commitment to welcoming and supporting LGBT+ adopters and foster carers, we’re members of New Family Social (NFS), the UK’s peer support network for LGBT+ adopters and foster carers. When you adopt through us, you’ll become a member too. That means you’ll have access to dedicated online forums and a wide range of supportive events across the country, some just for parents, and others for the whole family to enjoy together.
How fostering to adopt gave baby Charlie a secure, loving home
Zoe and Cheryl were originally interested in adoption but when they heard about fostering to adopt they knew it was the right route for them. When Charlie came to live with them, he was ten months old, and they were his fifth home. He’s now four years old and they are his proud adoptive mums.
Five things LGBT+ adopters would like you to know about their experiences
We’ve been supporting people from the LGBT+ community to adopt for nearly thirty years. To help you decide if adoption is right for you, we asked a few people who’ve adopted through us what they would like to share about their experiences.
Want to find out more about adoption?
If you’re ready to take the next step or just want to know more, get in touch. There’s no pressure or commitment, just a friendly, open conversation.
More about adoption
Support for birth families and adult adoptees
If you were adopted, you're related to person who was adopted or if you're exploring your family history we’re here. Our dedicated adoption support services help people connected to adoption through family or personal experience and may be able to support you.
Who can adopt?
We welcome people from all walks of life and backgrounds. There are so many things about you that could make you a great adoptive parent, but there are some practical things you need too.
Meet our amazing adopters
If you’re interested in adoption, you might be interested in hearing from people who have been through the process. If that’s you, our amazing adopters would love to share their experiences with you.