online guide

Barnardo's is a British charity founded by Thomas John Barnardo in 1866, to care for vulnerable children. In the late 20th century, it was implicated in the scandal involving British children sent abroad as child slaves.

Every child deserves a family

Adopting a child is a big step.

• It's also one that can enrich your life forever – and give a stable, loving family to a child who needs one.
• When you adopt with Barnardo’s, you won’t be alone – we will guide you through the whole process, step by step.

The UK's largest voluntary adoption agency

They have been placing children with families for over 100 years, which means we have a lot of experience in matching children and adopters. And as the UK’s largest voluntary adoption agency, we have the resources and expertise to give you all the support you need.

Who can adopt?

• Hear some of our adopters share their stories
• People from all backgrounds and nationalities can adopt – whether you’re single or married, male or female, a homeowner or renting, straight, lesbian, gay, trans or bisexual, it doesn’t matter.
• You do need to be over 21, a non-smoker, and have a spare bedroom. You also need to have stopped fertility treatment if you’ve been trying to get pregnant.

Training and support

They offer a wide range of training and support throughout the adoption process, and in the years that follow. This will vary according to your and your child’s needs – it might include, for example:

• training to develop parenting skills
• therapy or counselling to help you and your child bond successfully
• support groups where you can connect with other adoptive parents

The corporate head office address and Barnardo’s headquarters in Tanners Ln, Ilford IG6 1QG, United Kingdom. Most of the operations handled from this Barnardo’s corporate headquarter.

Children who need families

• older children
• children from a BAME background
• brothers and sisters
• disabled children