At Adoption Focus, we know that families come in all shapes and sizes. What matters most is the love, stability, and commitment you share, rather than a marriage certificate. If you’re living together and thinking about starting or growing your family, adoption could be the answer.
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.
Across the UK, many cohabiting couples are successfully adopting children and building strong, happy families. Whether you’ve been together for years or you’re in the earlier stage of your relationship, we’d love to hear from you. All we ask is that you’ve been living together for a year or more.
Adopting as cohabiting parents
We welcome adopters from all backgrounds — cohabiting, single, same-sex, homeowners, renters. We’re interested in the strength of your relationships, not the status, and your capacity to provide a loving, consistent, and nurturing home. We’ll be with you every step of the way, with tailored training and expert advice. We’re here for life, supporting each step with honest guidance and training designed to prepare you for the challenges and rewards of adoption.
Children waiting for adoption need parents who can offer patience, understanding, and care. If you can provide a safe and loving home, and you’re ready to make a lifelong difference, take the first step today.
From your first enquiry and through the years after your child joins your family, you’ll have access to ongoing support, advice, and a community of adopters who’ve walked the same path.
Children are waiting for love and support.
Find out about how you could change a child’s life and give them the chance to thrive.
Benefits of cohabiting adopters
As a cohabiting couple, you are a partnership, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. The benefits of this type of adoption include:
- The process is thorough and takes several months, you’ll have each other to lean on and make decisions together from the initial enquiry, through assessment, approval and finally choosing your child or children.
- At times, adoption can feel stressful, so having emotional support from a committed partner throughout the process will be a huge advantage.
- Once your child comes home, you will share parental responsibilities and have greater flexibility around work.
- Having two parents also helps the logistics of family life and you can choose who will stay home with the child at the start of placement.
As a couple, your child will have the benefit of two caregivers with a broader range of skills, knowledge and life experiences. You’ll have a larger support network and most importantly, you can offer long term commitment and stability, which is vital to a child in need of love and security.
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.
Cohabiting parents adoption FAQs
Can cohabiting couples adopt?
Yes you can. At Adoption Focus, we welcome applications from couples who are cohabiting. All we ask is that you’ve been living together for more than a year. We have helped hundreds of couples from all backgrounds to become successful adopters.
Does the adoption process differ for cohabiting couples?
The process is exactly the same for couples who are living together. You will benefit from our additional specialist training and all our adopters have access to our lifelong support, which is highly regarded by our families and Ofsted.
Is it harder for couples that aren’t married to adopt?
No, it’s not harder to adopt if you're not married. We are only interested in the stability of your relationship, not the status. We will work closely with you throughout the process and help you find the right child or children for you. If you’re ready to adopt, we’d love to hear from you
How do I find adoption agencies that work with cohabiting couples?
Look no further! Adoption Focus has a proven track record of placing children with couples from all backgrounds and walks of life. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted on every inspection since we launched in 2009, we’re focused on providing the best support for both adopters and adoptees. Get in touch today or sign up to our next 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.