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Introduction to intercountry adoption

Although there are many children in England who are looking for an adoptive family, there are many children overseas who need homes and intercountry adoption may be their only opportunity to belong to a permanent family.

Who can apply and when

The government encourages intercountry adoption in circumstances where:

  • the child cannot be cared for in any suitable manner in their own country
  • the adoption would be in the best interests of the child and with respect to the child's fundamental rights as recognised in international law
  • the adopter has been assessed as eligible and suitable to adopt from overseas by an adoption agency

If you wish to adopt a child from overseas you should speak to your local council or a voluntary adoption agency registered to work on intercountry adoption. Contact details for local authorities and voluntary adoption agencies who are registered to work on intercountry adoption can be found on the Department for Children, Schools and Families' website.

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