Could you adopt a child or children? Find out about the adoption process, the criteria and how to take the next steps.
Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a loving home where they feel safe and secure. They also need a family they can rely on as they grow into adulthood.
Adoption gives children a sense of belonging and connection and provides a loving, stable, permanent home for those who can't stay with their birth families. Adoption is a legal process that transfers parental rights and responsibilities to the adoptive parents.
We are looking for people to adopt children of all ages and backgrounds - some on their own and some with their brothers and sisters.
Who needs an adoptive family?
Children of all ages and all backgrounds need adoptive families. This can be one child on their own or with their brothers and sisters. When looking for adoptive families, we make every effort to keep brothers and sisters together, and so we need adopters who are open to adopting more than one child.
Children who need adoptive families will be living with foster carers. Adoption plans can only be considered after rehabilitation to their birth parents and any extended family members has been ruled out.
Many of the children will have experienced an unsettled start in life. They may have experienced loss, change, trauma, neglect or abuse which can affect their health, development and confidence. That is why it is important that adopters are open and flexible and have a willingness to support children to feel safe and build emotional permanence in their new family.
Who can adopt?
We welcome applications from prospective adopters from all walks of life to meet the needs of children who require an adoptive family.
Adoption criteria
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. People of all ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds can apply to adopt
You need to have at least one spare bedroom room
You can rent or own your property
You need to be in good health
You can be single, married, or living with a long-term partner for at least two years
You can be working or not working and should be financially secure
You can already be a parent, or have no parenting experience
Have no convictions against children
You also need to have time, compassion, patience, an ability to manage stress, a good support network and lots of love to give.
It is also important that you can support children to understand their history and family of origin and an ability to promote their sense of identity and belonging throughout their life.
Training and support will be given at all stages of the adoption journey. Developing the skills to care for children who may have experienced trauma is part of the support that will be provided by South Ayrshire Council.
If you are in any doubt about whether you can adopt, please don't rule yourself out; talk to us about your circumstances and we can advise you of the best way forward.
Contact us
If you would like to find out more about any aspect of adoption or adoption support, please contact:
South Ayrshire Adoption Team South Ayrshire Council 181 Whitletts Road Ayr KA8 0JQ
