We keep our priority categories under regular review and these are subject to change according to the ages and needs of children requiring adoption at the time.

At the present time adopters are needed for children aged over one year and above, whether placed on their own or together with brothers and sisters.  Adoptive parents are particularly needed for two or three brothers and sisters together, for children with disabilities and for children from minority ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Adopters...

• can be married, in a civil partnership, single, or living with a partner. The law changed in 2006 so that couples can adopt together if they are not married. 
• must be over the age of 21 but there is no upper age limit. 
• need to have the health and vigour to meet the needs of a child until s/he reaches adulthood and beyond
• have to undergo full medicals - having a health condition will not necessarily prevent you from adopting a child provided that it does not reduce your life expectancy considerably, place a child at risk or limit the experiences and opportunities which are available for the child.

The advice that we follow from the British Association of Adoption and Fostering is not to place any children under the age 5 in a household with people who smoke. Adopters will need to demonstrate that they have not smoked for at least a year before they can be approved to care for a child under the age of 5.

Many people have tried fertility treatment before they pursue adoption. If you are having fertility treatment it is important that you fully commit to this and to take time after you have finished treatment if it is not successful. Usually at least 6-12 months after treatment is advised before proceeding with adoption.

Some people apply to adopt when they have birth children. It is essential that there is at least a three year age gap between the youngest birth child and an adopted child. For that reason we are not able to accept applications from parents until their youngest birth child is aged 6.

Criminal Record Checks are completed for all applicants and anyone over the age of 18 living in the household. Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from being considered unless it is a 'specified offence' which includes offences against children and sexual offences against adults. If you have any criminal convictions, or there are any factors for you and those close to you which could affect the safety of children in your care, then you must discuss these with the adoption social workers at an early stage.

• Name: Adoption and Permanence Team
  Email: adoptionpermanence@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 221453
  Full details for Adoption and Permanence Team