Adopting a child

If you are interested in adopting a child through the local adoption program you are encouraged to contact one of the two accredited adoption service providers Anglicare on 9890 6800 and Family Spirit on 8709 9333. For additional queries about the local adoption program please contact Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) on 9716 3003. Alternatively if you are interested in adopting a child or young person through the Out of Home Care program you may also contact My Forever Family on 1300 782 975.

Want to adopt?

What adoption is, who can adopt and the types of adoption available.

What is open adoption?

What is open adoption, its benefits and what it means for you, the child and their birth family.

The adoption process

A step-by-step explanation of what happens in the adoption process.

What happens when an adoption order is made

About adoption order, changes to birth certificate, contact with birth parents and more.

Out-of-home care adoption

Adopting a child who is in out-of-home care or in foster care and the OOHC adoption allowance.

Adopting within the family

Legal requirements and application process for intrafamily adoption.

Adopting locally

Information for people who want to adopt locally in NSW, including a list of adoption agencies.

Adopting from overseas

About intercountry adoption, including waiting times, fees and costs, and legal requirements.

Adopting children with special care needs

About adopting a child with special care needs, including the process, subsidy and contacts.

Adult adoptions

About adopting someone who is aged 18 years or older.

Aboriginal people and adoption

Understanding circumstances where adoption may occur in Aboriginal communities.

Torres Strait Islander people and adoption

Formal adoption orders and Torres Strait Islander adoptions.

NSW birth certificates for adoptions finalised overseas

Children whose legal adoptions were finalised overseas are entitled to NSW birth certificates.

Support organisations

Adoption support organisations, offering international playgroups and social groups and more.

The Institute of Open Adoption Studies

A NSW Government initiative focussed on increasing the number of open adoptions from care in NSW.

Open Adoption Hotline online enquiry form

Contact the Open Adoption Hotline.

Last updated:

18 Apr 2024