Adoption is a legal way of giving a child a new family when their own parents cannot bring them up. It is permanent and makes the child/children full legal members of your family.
There are a variety of reasons why some children are unable to live with their birth parents. Adoption by a new family enables them to have a stable, secure and loving upbringing and a better chance in life.
When you adopt a child, all parental responsibilities and the duties of the birth parents are transferred to you by a court order - meaning that you have exactly the same rights as other parents - for life.
We hope this information answers some of the questions you may have about adoption and encourage you to take the next step towards one of the most enriching experiences in life... for you as a parent and for the child you adopt.
Adopting a child is a big decision. It's a life-long commitment. It demands a lot of hard work, patience, understanding and love. We will try to be open and honest with you at every step to make sure that you're well equipped to make an informed decision about whether adoption is right for you.
You can apply to become an adopter using our online adoption referral form.
For information on inter-country adoption, adoption support services and step parent adoption, please click on the links below:
For more information about adopting a child or young person please see our detailed fact sheet: Adoption in Oldham - families for children. This fact sheet is also availible in EASYREAD format here.
If you are a birth parent wishing to place a child for adoption please see our fact sheet Information for birth parents wishing to place their child for adoption
If you have a child that is being adopted please see our fact sheet Information for birth parents about adoption.
If you are a child being adopted please see our fact sheet Facts 4 U 2: I’m going to be adopted – what does it mean? A children’s guide to the adoption service (for under 11s).
If you are a young person being adopted please see our fact sheet Facts 4 U 2: I’m going to be adopted - what does it mean? A young person’s guide to the adoption service (for over 11s)
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