Share a child's journey through life
Adopting a child with HSC NI Adoption & Foster Care
Adoption offers a new start to a child or young person who cannot be brought up by their birth family. It is the legal process by which a child or sibling group become full, permanent, and legal members of a new family.
Once the adoptive process is complete, adopters become the child’s legal parents with the same rights and responsibilities as if the child was born to them.
Adoption is a life-changing decision. Our focus is on the wellbeing of the child, the stability and permanence of their adoptive home, and the substantive and continued support to the adoptive parents and family. Adoptive parents will be offered training throughout and after the adoption process, given support and advice on ‘parenting in a different way’, and all other aspects of their adoption experience. There will also be the opportunity to consider the effects of early trauma, loss and neglect and how these experiences may impact adopted children as well as the lives of the adoptive family.
The adoption process
Being an adoptive parent requires the same qualities, patience, emotional support and dedication as is required of any parent.
Through the adoptive process, you will be providing a child or children with a loving, secure home. You will be offering them a life that may not have been available to them without adoption. And importantly, you will be taking a step that impacts the everyday lives of you and your extended support network.
Children in the adoption system may have experienced unmet emotional or physical needs. They may have already been in foster care having experienced neglect or abuse. Parents may have had addiction problems, poor physical or mental health, or a lack of skills and knowledge required to parent their child. As a result, these children and young people are often vulnerable and can find it challenging at first to trust and form relationships.
Adoptive parents will need to show the understanding and patience to help make children and young people feel safe, secure, and heard in order for them to thrive into their new life. It is also crucial that the early experiences and memories of the child are acknowledged and appreciated, that contact where desired can be continued, and the significance of their birth families can be maintained.
Children in the adoptive process can be any age, although most often they are between 2-10 years old. There are many sibling groups who need to be kept together in a family unit.
Being an adoptive parent can be the most fulfilling role you take on. It can change the life of your adopted child or children and open up a whole new future for all of you.
Adoption Regional Information System (ARIS)
ARIS stores details of all children waiting for adoption and approved adopters across NI.
Adoption tracing and contacting birth relatives
Find out how to access your birth records as an adopted adult.
Get in touch
To find out more about adopting with us, complete a short enquiry form now.