If you think you may be interested in adopting a child, please phone or email Devon County Council's Adoption Unit. We will answer your questions and give you written information about adoption and the chance to talk to a social worker about your own circumstances, interests and wishes.

If you decide that you would like to go ahead and we think you are likely to be able to offer a home for the kinds of children needing adoption, then you will make a formal application and undertake an assessment process.

To become an adoptive parent you must be approved by an adoption agency in accordance with the law. Local councils including Devon Social Services are adoption agencies and there are also voluntary adoption agencies.

Find out more about Intercountry Adoption.