You don’t need to be part of a couple to make an incredible difference for a child. Every year, single people across the UK become parents through adoption. And their children receive the love, stability, and sense of belonging they need to thrive.
At Adoption Focus, we recognise that being single doesn’t mean being alone. Your strong support network will be so valuable, and well as characteristics such as independence and resourcefulness, which will be key to building the family you’ve always imagined.
Many single adopters tell us that adoption has been one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives, providing the opportunity to share their home and heart with a child who needs them.
Adopting as a single parent
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. These children have faced many challenges and need patience, understanding, and consistency.
Whether you rent or own your home, work full-time or part-time, are in your 20s or your 50s, we’d love to hear from you. Your ability to offer love and commitment is what matters most. We’ll be with you at every stage of the process, from your very first contact through to lifelong support after your child comes home.
If you’ve ever imagined making a difference in a child’s life, take the first step today.
Benefits of single parent adoption
Single adopters can provide strong, stable, and nurturing homes. What matters most for children is stability, commitment, and responsiveness rather than the number of parents in the household. The benefits of this type of adoption include:
- The ability to offer greater consistency and clearer decisions.
- The opportunity to develop a strong bond with your child.
- The potential to form a very close attachment through a one-to-one relationship.
Adopted children can struggle to build new relationships, so building trust is vital and may be easier on a one-to-one basis.
Your support network will be really important to you and your child. But most importantly, your emotional availability, preparedness and nurturing skills will make the biggest difference.
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 our formation 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.
Single parent adoption FAQs
Can a single person adopt?
Yes you can. Adoption Focus welcomes adoption applications from single applicants, both male and female, and has helped many single applicants to become successful adopters.
Does the adoption process differ for single parents?
The process is exactly the same for single adopters. The only difference is that we offer you the opportunity to bring a friend or family member to some training sessions and provide specialist lifelong training and support for single adopters.
Is it harder for single parents to adopt?
It isn’t any harder for single parents to adopt. All we ask is that you consider who will support you through the adoption process and once you have a child placed. As with any adoption, your support network is really important, but even more so for single adopters.
How do I find adoption agencies that work with single parents?
Look no further! Adoption Focus has a proven track record of placing children with single adopters. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted on every inspection since 2009, we’re focused on providing the best support for our adopters and adoptees. Get in touch today or sign up to our next information event.
What support is there for single adopters?
Adopterverse is our online platform which contains a wealth of helpful resources and connections for our adopters, including content for single adopters multicultural families. Find out more about Adopterverse. We also have a dedicated Adoption Support Team with specialist managers, social workers and therapeutic workers who are ready and waiting to give you all the support you need.
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.