Adoption

Adopt Thames Valley

Adopt Thames Valley is a regional adoption agency (RAA) which is a partnership of 7 local authorities and 3 voluntary adoption agencies, working together to recruit and support a range of adoptive families, finding families for children both locally and nationally.

Our aim is to make the process to adopt quicker and simpler for you, so why not discover if adoption is right for you.

We are prioritising families for children aged 4 and over, sibling groups, children with additional needs, and children of black and minority ethnic heritage. These children can often find themselves waiting longer. Our aim is to reduce the time they may wait.

For more information, visit the Adopt Thames Valley website.

Who can adopt

We are not always able to accept applications but we will give careful consideration to the qualities and experiences offered by all potential applicants. We welcome applications from:

  • single applicants and couples of all ages
  • childless applicants and those who already have a child or children
  • applicants from different cultural and religious backgrounds
  • applicants who are heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender

Once approved, adopters take on all the responsibilities and duties of parents. This is finalised through the court.

Children looking for adoption

Many of the children who are looking for families are of pre-school age. In some cases they will need to be placed along with a sibling. Some of the children are from ethnic minority groups.

Some children will have physical or learning disabilities. They will need to be placed with families who are able to take on this responsibility.

The security of a loving, caring family is in itself a major factor in helping children overcome their problems.

More information

To find out more about the adoption process and the needs of children waiting to be adopted: