Are you aged 50 or older and thinking about adopting a child or children? We’d love to help you.
We welcome adoption enquiries from people aged 50 and over. There’s no upper age limit to adopt, we just ask that you’ll be there to raise and support your child or children 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 matters most. 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 50 or older
There is an urgent need for adopters of all ages and backgrounds, as there are currently thousands of children waiting for a permanent, secure home.
Many people believe adoption is only for younger adults, however across the UK, people in their 50s and beyond are transforming children’s lives by providing loving and stable family life.
If you’re over 50, you have so much to offer: a sense of perspective, resilience through life’s ups and downs, and the time to focus on what truly matters. Children who’ve had a difficult start in life often need exactly that — someone who will stand by them, guide them and help them heal.
Benefits of adopting at 50 and Over
Adopters aged 50 and older are well represented and growing in number at Adoption Focus. The benefits of this type of adoption include:
- Aged 50 and older means you have a wealth of life experience that you can pass down to your adopted child or children.
- Parents at this age have a deeper understanding of who they are and their emotions, which translates to supportive and empathetic parenting.
- You may have previous parenting experience that you can draw on, to help support your adopted child or children.
Aged 50 and older, you will be a great support for older children or teenagers.
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 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 50 and older 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 60?
You are not too old to adopt at 60. There is no upper limit and you won’t be disqualified because you’re in your 60s. However, when considering how you are going to meet the needs of a child throughout their childhood and into adulthood, you do need to consider your health and energy levels, and to think about the types of children you could consider adopting. The only age requirement is that you have to be at least 21 years of age.
Can single people over 50 adopt?
If you’re a single parent aged 50 or older you can 100% adopt. It is not a requirement to be married or in a relationship when adopting a child or children.
How do I find adoption agencies that work with older parents?
Look no further, Adoption Focus has placed many children with older parents, and we’d love to do the same for you. Get in touch or attend an information event.
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.