Appeal for more adoptive parents

Sunday 15 January 2023

The Family Placement Service is actively seeking out adoptive parents in the Bailiwick.

To adopt you need to be at least 25 years old, but you can adopt regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, ethnicity, religion, and background. You can also adopt as a couple or as an individual.

There are a number of options when considering the long-term care needs for children and young people. Adoption is just one option that is considered for younger children who cannot remain with their birth parents or extended family.

The Service runs preparatory courses which are led by Social Workers experienced in adoption, alongside other professionals and parents. 

The next round of courses will begin in late February are those interested are asked to get in contact as soon as possible. A Social Worker will take some details and arrange a visit to talk in more detail about adoption.

These are usually held over three days and attendance is mandatory for anyone wishing to make an application. 

It’s an opportunity to discuss issues that you may not have thought about before and to ask any questions you may have.

Karen Reade, Team Manager at the Family Placement Services said: “By adopting a child, you will be offering them a secure home and they will legally become a permanent member of your family. 

“Similar to the UK, there are very few babies requiring adoptive parents, so adoption is generally considered for children between the ages of one and eight years. There is also a need for adoptive parents for sibling groups.”

The service can be reached at familyplacementserviceduty@gov.gg or on 223182. More information can be found HERE.