19th October 2026

Today marks the beginning of Adoption Week NI (19–25 October), a week dedicated to celebrating adoptive families and encouraging more people across Northern Ireland to consider adoption.

There are currently 53 children waiting for adoptive families in Northern Ireland, including 11 sibling groups who need to remain together.

With the number of adoption enquiries and applications declining, there is a growing need for more adopters who can provide permanent, loving families for children currently waiting for adoption.

Under this year’s theme, ‘Together We Are Family’, Adoption Week celebrates the unique stories that make up Northern Ireland’s adoption community. Families may have different beginnings, but it is the love, commitment and shared bonds formed along the way that bring them together.

Throughout Adoption Week, we are encouraging more people to consider adoption, whether you are exploring it for the first time, are existing adoptive parents considering adopting again, or are hoping to grow your family through adoption.

The criteria to adopt is broad and we are looking for a wide range of people to provide loving and secure homes for children in need of a forever family.

To find out more about adoption call us on 0800 0720 137 or complete a short online enquiry form