Adoption
Adoption is the attainment of legal rights to establish a parent-child relationship with a child that is not yours by birth. It is a massive step that many adults in stable relationships take every year, and is one that often brings life fulfilment to all those involved.
Over 50% of children adopted every year are in the age range of 1 - 4, while 5 - 9 year olds make up more than 25% of the total number. Less than 10% of adoptions each year are for babies under twelve months old.
Adoption agencies put in place strict criteria that all potential parents must meet in order to adopt a child. Preferred candidates are people in stable relationships who have a variety of life experiences to call upon. Very rarely is salary bracket or educational background of any consequence.
Adopters come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and their reasons for adopting are very rarely the same. Infertility, compassion for a less fortunate child, or simply a desire to add to the family are all valid reasons that successful applicants have when they begin the adoption process.
To find out more about adoption please review the resources on our site.