Adopted child running to mum in Birmingham

Ready When You Are

When is the right time to adopt?

The perfect time to have children doesn’t exist, ask any parent. But the right time? That’s different. The right time is when you have love to give, stability to offer, and commitment to see it through. The right time is when you’re willing to grow, learn, and build a family in your own unique way.

The right time might be now.

Ready when you are.

A 2024 You Can Adopt survey revealed that 7 in ten (70%) parents said they ‘never felt truly prepared’ to be a parent, and 77% said there is no such thing as a ‘perfect time’ to start a family. While 81% felt it was the most challenging thing they have ever done; this was outweighed by the 85% who consider parenting as the most rewarding experience of their lives.

With 12% fewer families stepping forward to register to adopt (compared to last year) and pressure to feel ‘ready’ – we’re here to tell you there is no ‘perfect’ time to adopt.

 

children drawing and painting picture of a house with flowers on a cardboard box

April, adoptive mother to her son Alexander:

“I used to think I had to wait for the perfect time, the perfect house, the perfect setup – but the truth is, love doesn’t wait. Alexander came into my life and filled it with colour, chaos, and more joy than I ever imagined. It’s the everyday moments that remind me we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.”

Am I eligible?

Who can adopt in Birmingham? The real requirements.

A surprising number of people talk themselves out of even making an enquiry because of myths about who adoption is for. Here is the truth.

You Don’t Need… You Do Need…
  • To own your home. Renters adopt successfully every day.
  • To be married or in a relationship. Single adopters make incredible parents.
  • To be under 40. There’s no upper age limit.
  • A huge house. Children need safety and love, not square footage.
  • To quit your job. Childcare arrangements work for adoptive families too.
  • Perfect physical health. Reasonable health and energy is what matters.
  • Emotional stability and resilience
  • The ability to provide a safe, stable home
  • Time and commitment for a child
  • Openness to support and learning
  • Understanding that adoption has unique challenges
  • Love, patience, and a sense of humour

 

How to Start the Adoption Process

If you are considering adoption, your first step is simply to be curious. You are not committing to anything by finding out more and the more you know, the more confident you’ll feel.

  1. Attend a free Information Event, Online or in person. Ask us anything, meet our team, and hear from adoptive parents. No commitment required. View upcoming events
  2. Download our Information Booklet. A plain-English guide to every step of the adoption process, from initial enquiry to being matched with a child. Download the Booklet
  3. Browse through the FAQ’s. Can I adopt as a single person? What support will I receive? How long does it take? We’ve answered the questions we hear most. Read the FAQ’s

  4. Get in touch with any questions. Our team is here for a no-pressure conversation. If adoption is right for you, we’ll help you take the next step. Contact us

The adoption process in England is a legally regulated process. It is designed to ensure that all adoptive parents are properly prepared and assessed to be able to meet the needs of children who have experienced loss and trauma.

Once you start the adoption process, it will take around six months for you to be approved as an adopter. You will have a dedicated social worker who will guide and support you throughout this period.

Adoption Process