You Can Adopt
Every Day is Everything
Today, children who need adoption spend an average of 646 days in care before finding a permanent family. That’s nearly two years of childhood without the stability, love and sense of belonging that family life can provide.
Many of these children are older, part of a sibling group, or have additional or more complex needs. They need people who can open their hearts and homes, and be there for life’s everyday moments, big and small.
As adopted adult and Paralympian Ellie Simmonds OBE says:
“It’s the everyday things that make a family a family. Those moments might seem ordinary, but they can shape a child’s confidence, identity and future in extraordinary ways.”
If you’ve ever thought about adoption, there’s never been a better time to find out more. The first step is simply a conversation. No commitment, no obligation, just a chance to explore whether adoption could be right for you.
Book onto any of our information session or speak to one of our friendly advisers today. Your enquiry could be the start of a new beginning for a child waiting for their forever family.
Celebrating the Perfectly Imperfect
At Adopt London, we celebrate the perfectly imperfect homes that make adoption possible. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. A pile of laundry on the stairs, toys on the floor, or a kitchen table covered in homework and family life are often the signs of a home filled with love, laughter and belonging.
Many people worry they need more space, a bigger house, or a picture-perfect lifestyle before they can adopt. The truth is that children don’t need perfection. They need stability, care and people who will be there for them through life’s everyday moments.
Whether your home is big or small, rented or owned, what matters most is your ability to provide a child with a safe, loving and supportive family. Because adoption isn’t about having the perfect home. It’s about creating a place where a child feels valued, accepted and truly at home.
Watch the film and discover why perfectly imperfect can be exactly what’s needed.
The Process
The process is designed to help you explore whether adoption is the right path for you — and for the children waiting. Now, it’s simpler, quicker, and offers more support than ever before. Making an enquiry isn’t a commitment — it’s just a conversation.
You can adopt if you:
- Are single, married, or in a long-term live-in relationship
- Are of any ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, or faith
- Own your home or rent
- Have a disability or are managing health conditions
- Are employed, self-employed, or receiving benefits
- Have children already — or if you have none. Some people adopt more than once.
Many adopters say the journey helped them grow, reflect, and become even better parents. Most find that the assessment process helps them to understand themselves.
“The adoption process is open, thoughtful, supportive and fair.”
Podcasts: Real Stories from Real Families
Listen to this episode of the You Can Adopt podcast, featuring adoption professional Lindy Wootton who talks to solo adoptive mum Emily about her journey to becoming Teddy’s mum and being the third generation in her family to adopt.
Emily shares her experience of adopting as a single parent through early permanence, the realities of the adoption process, and the everyday imperfect moments that make family life so special.
Her story is a reminder that you don’t need to be in a couple to adopt. If you’re considering becoming a parent, adoption could be an option for you. An enquiry isn’t a commitment, it’s simply a conversation.
A life less ordinary
Sadly, some children wait much longer than others. These children may be slightly older, part of a sibling group, have physical or educational needs, or come from a minoritised ethnic background. They deserve the same chance to thrive in a loving family—but they often face the longest waits. We invite you to hear from adopters who have welcomed children from these groups into their lives, and discover the joy, challenges, and deep rewards of adoption.
Watch the film here“The best thing about adopting for us is that we now have this beautiful, happy, giggling child running around the house.”
A different perspective
For birth mother Anna, choosing adoption for her son was the hardest decision she’s ever made. To her, she will always be his mum. But she also knew that adoption could offer him a life she wasn’t able to provide—a chance to break a cycle of family difficulties and grow up with stability, love, and opportunity. After meeting the adoptive father at his request, Anna found comfort in knowing her son is thriving. He has memories of her, and he is growing up with a strong sense of his heritage and cultural identity. Anna dreams of meeting him again one day, as an adult. Her story is one of courage, love, and hope. Watch this emotive animated short film, created by illustrator and adopter Garry Parsons.
Watch the film here
Families made by adoption
Just like all families, adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes — and every journey is unique. Meet incredible mums and dads made by adoption as they share their honest stories: the good, the tough, the growth, and the love. Hear their stories.
Hear from preferential adopters Vicky and Richee who chose to grow their family through adoption
Watch the film here
Jamie & Tom always knew that they wanted to adopt two children and were matched with brothers
Watch the film hereUpcoming events
See all eventsAdopt London East – Adoption Information Session
Come and join our friendly sessions to learn more about adoption and to ask any questions.
Adopt London South – Evening Adoption Q&A
A good first step for anyone considering adoption. This is your chance to ask anything about adopting a London child who is not known to you. Our frequently asked questions often cover subjects around accommodation, eligibility, health, finances, childcare, volunteering experience etc. At this event you will receive answers, and advice about the most appropriate next steps.
Support for Adopters
It’s natural to worry about practical and financial support. Adoption is a serious decision, but you won’t be alone. An experienced adoption social worker will guide you through what support is available, that can include:
- Training and preparation workshops
- A dedicated social worker
- Practical and financial support
- Peer support from other adopters
- Therapeutic services
- Education support
- Access to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund
The importance of identity and relationships
Modern adoption recognises the importance of helping adopted people stay connected to their past—when it’s safe and supported to do so. While not every adopted person will have mementos from early life, today’s approach to adoption encourages access to meaningful, high-quality information. In some cases, ongoing relationships with birth relatives or family friends can play a vital role in helping adopted people build a strong sense of identity and belonging. Adoption isn’t a line in the sand—it’s part of a person’s lifelong journey. For the person who is adopted, it’s one life, and their story doesn’t begin or end with adoption. Hear from adult adopters as they share their memories and reflections on identity.
Watch the film here
Latest
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#NowsTheTime
Adopt London Celebrates LGBTQ+ Adoption Week 2026 with New Family Social LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week returns on 2 March 2026, and Adopt London is proud to celebrate and support the campaign once again in partnership with New Family Social. This annual event remains the only national campaign designed specifically to speak to the LGBTQ+ community about adoption and…
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You Don’t Need a Perfect Home – Just a Welcome One
As National Adoption Week (20–26th October 2025) begins, Adopt London is supporting a new campaign that gently challenges the idea that prospective adopters need to have the ‘perfect’ home or circumstances to adopt. New research from You Can Adopt reveals that nearly nine in ten adoptive parents (86%) were worried they wouldn’t meet the criteria because their home wasn’t ideal.
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Getting yourself adoption-ready
Now is a good time to find out more about adopting a child. There’s a range of books, podcasts and organisations all sharing knowledge and first-hand experience of adoption – from all points of view. At Adopt London, we are keen to share a holistic and modern view of adoption, and we encourage prospective adopters – as part of their…
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A Life Less Ordinary
No child should have to wait longer than another to be adopted and yet more than 1,000 children in England are waiting significantly longer than others to find their forever homes. These children tend to be slightly older, are brothers and sisters waiting to be adopted together, have physical or educational needs, or come from ethnic minority backgrounds. In this…
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Essential listening – the #YouCanAdopt podcasts
Listening to podcasts is a great way to find out more about any topic, but especially adoption. It gives you detailed information from people who are very often adoption experts – either being adopters themselves or they may be social workers or an adoption specialist. As part of the #YOUCANADOPT campaign launched last month, six podcasts have been produced covering…
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