We are involved in the recruitment, training, assessment and support of prospective adopters. We work closely with children's social workers to identify suitable adoptive parents for those children whose families are not able to meet their children's needs. In most situations, the court will be involved in the decision that the children cannot return to the care of their birth family.

Please note we only accept adoption enquiries up to 10 miles from Dorset county borders.

The service also works with adopted adults who wish to find out more about their own adoption.

Opening times

10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm Monday to Thursday.

10am to 1pm on Friday.

We are closed at the weekend.

Please contact us for further information using the contact details at the end of this page.

• Who can adopt?

  There are very few restrictions on who can adopt, check here to see if you are eligible.

• Adoption process

  Information about the route you will take to adopt a child.

• Adoption and step children

  If you or your partner has a child by a previous relationship who is living with you on a permanent basis, you may be thinking about the ways in which you can secure the legal rights and responsibilities you both have regarding the children living in your family.

• Frequently asked questions about adopting

  Common questions about adoption answered.

• Inter-country adoption

  Including adoption from abroad and adoption with a foreign element.

• Non agency adoption

  What to do if you are caring for a child of whom neither you nor your partner is a parent, and the child was not placed with you by the local authority.

• What adopters say

  We've recently asked adopters to sum up their experience of adoption and here are some of the things they told us.

• Statement of purpose

  The statement of purpose for adoption sets out the purpose, policy, principles and aims of Dorset County Council's Adoption Service.

• Adoption and social networking issues

  There is significant concern about social networking and the issues for adoptive families.

• National Adoption Week

  Sibling groups may never find a permanent home through adoption, children's charity warns.

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