Can I adopt?

There is no such thing as a typical adopter. Just like the children we support, all adults are individuals, with varying circumstances and experiences. It is important we find different types of adoptive families to meet the different needs of the children we support.

You need to be over 21 and you need to have suitable and secure accommodation with a spare bedroom but, above all else, you ned to be able to provide a loving, nurturing home to a child in need.

Children often do best in families that reflect, or can positively promote, their customs and values. We therefore welcome enquiries from people from all backgrounds, particularly Asian, African Caribbean and mixed parentage individuals and couples, to help meet the needs of Slough children.

While it is sometimes possible for adoptive parents from Slough to adopt a child from Slough, it’s more usual for applicants to live outside the borough, or to live in Slough but adopt from outside the borough. We can advise you further, if you contact us.

We consider the ability of all applicants to care for a child through to adulthood and beyond. The important thing is your capacity to meet the needs of a child or children placed with you. We want to ensure as far as possible children are placed in a family that is right for them.

We consider applicants with or without children. If you do have children then there usually needs to be at least a two-year age-gap between the child placed with you and any other children in the family.

We recommend that any fertility investigations/treatment is concluded and that counselling has taken place before thinking about adoption (not necessarily childless when undergoing fertility treatment).

You need to have been permanently and legally living in the UK for at least the last year.

You must also have no criminal conviction or caution for offences against children, or for serious sexual offences.

Staff from our dedicated family placement team have worked with the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in Slough for over a decade and have extensive experience with gay and lesbian adoptive and fostering families.

They understand the importance of treating all applicants with respect and sensitivity and have a strong track record in matching children with adoptive parents and foster carers.

You will need to have relevant experience with children either as a volunteer or professional.