Are you aged 40 or older and thinking about adopting a child or children? We’d love to help you.
We’ve worked with many single parents and couples in their 40s who are looking to raise a child into adult life.
Adoption Focus welcomes adopters of all ages and from all walks of life. If you’re single, married, cohabiting, divorced, renting, LGBTQ+, have children or not, are from a faith background or not, we’d love to hear from you. Your capacity to provide love and care is what we’re looking for. We’ll be with you every step of the way, with tailored training and expert advice. We’re here for life, supporting each step and long after adoption, whenever you need us.
Child adoption at 40
Adoption agencies are in desperate need of adopters of all ages and backgrounds. There are currently thousands of children needing safe and loving homes.
Many people adopt children in their 40s, and you could too. Children’s lives are being transformed by finding a loving and supportive adoptive home.
If you’re 40, you have so much to offer to an adopted child or children. You have lived experience and the maturity to give a child exactly what they need to thrive. If you can show love, stability and show up each day, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits of adopting at 40
Adopters in their 40s are well represented and growing in number at Adoption Focus. The benefits of this type of adoption include:
- You have life experience which gives you both empathy and resilience. Many people in their 40s have spent time on themselves, and can now give back to an adopted child.
- If you’re adopting in your 40s you have a strong sense of readiness, as you’ve made a deliberate decision to become a parent.
- You can offer great support and guidance to older children and teenagers. You have established support networks that you can lean on as a family.
Why trust Adoption Focus?
Adoption Focus is an independent charity, and one of the largest adoption agencies in the UK. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted on every inspection since we were formed in 2009, we’re focused on providing the best support for both adopters and adoptees.
We’re passionate about inclusivity and welcome adoptive parents of all ages and backgrounds including couples, single parents, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and more. We offer lifelong support to every adoptive family - you can contact us every weekday. We provide an extensive range of therapeutic services and highly recommended training programmes. We will walk with you throughout the adoption process and far beyond, as your children grow into adulthood.
Adopting at 40 FAQs
Is there a cut off age for adopting a child?
No, there is no upper age limit to adopting. The only age requirement is that you have to be 21 or older. Many parents decide to adopt later in life, and we’ve helped place many children into loving homes with older parents.
Am I too old to adopt at 40?
Not at all. You’re not too old to adopt at 40, many parents decide to adopt in their 40s and 50s. There is no upper limit, and your chances of being placed with a child are just the same.
Will my age affect my chances of being matched with a child?
The only effect age has on being matched with a child is the legal requirement to be 21 years old or older. Here at Adoption Focus we’ve placed hundreds of children with parents in their 40s, and we’d love to help you too.
Do adoption agencies or charities have any concerns about older adoptive parents?
Age isn’t a barrier to adoption, we don’t have concerns just because of an adopter's age. Every parent goes through the same process when adopting a child, including training, assessment and an approval panel, and this is the same for everyone.
Can single people in their 40s adopt?
Yes, you can be a single parent in your 40's when adopting. It’s not a requirement to be part of a couple or relationship.
How do I find adoption agencies that work with parents in their 40s?
Look no further, we work with adoptive parents in their 40s. We’ve placed many children with adoptive parents in their 40s and we’d love to talk to you about it. Get in touch or attend an information event.
Can I adopt as a first-time parent at 40?
Yes you can be a first-time parent at 40. It is not a requirement to be a parent or have previous parenting experience.
What costs are involved in adoption?
The only costs involved with adoption in the UK is the medical with your GP (examination and report), or incidental costs like travel to meetings or events. All other aspects of the adoption process are covered such as the legal fees and court costs, and access to training courses. You may choose to take time off work during the process which may have financial implications.