Oldham Council’s Adoption and Fostering Service provides a comprehensive range of services from adoption and fostering to short break carers. We also provide services to adopted adults and birth relatives.
We welcome all applicants over the age of 21 who can demonstrate their ability to offer a stable, secure and loving home to a child / children. All applications are welcome; consideration is given on an individual basis dependent on personal circumstances. People will not be discriminated against purely on the grounds of race, gender, sexuality, disability (as long as the disability does not preclude caring for a foster child), age, religion, employment, qualifications or marital status. You do not need to have children of your own or your own home – we have foster carers and adopters from a range of backgrounds.
We would be happy to speak to anyone with any questions, queries or worries.
You can access information on this website or if you prefer you can request a brochure to be sent to your address. If you are interested in fostering or adopting, you can email us at fostering@oldham.gov.uk or adoption@oldham.gov.uk with your contact details, including telephone number. Alternatively, contact us on the numbers below. The information can be made available in different languages or formats if required.
The telephone numbers are:
Adoption: 0161 770 6605
9 am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (voicemail facility is available 24 hours a day)
Fostering: 0161 770 6600
9am–12 noon & 1pm–5pm, Monday-Friday (voicemail facility is available 24 hours)
I’m going to be adopted what does it mean? (PDF) - Under 11s
I’m going to be adopted what does it mean? (PDF) - Over 11s
Information for birth parents about adoption (Looked After Children) (PDF)
Information for birth parents wishing to place their child for adoption (PDF)
Adoption in Oldham (PDF) – easy read