We are 'Outstanding' again

now the ONLY adoption service in the UK to achieve 5 in a row!

blob shape
Read more Arrow Icon

0300 123 1066

0300 123 1066

Interested in Adoption? we're here for you.

Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ since 2008

The ONLY adoption service in the UK rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted FIVE times in a row.

Download our information guide to find out more
Little girl
Close

Adoption Matters

From the first phone call,
to the first grandchild.
We're here for you.

Enquire now Arrow Icon
About us Arrow Icon
adoption matters banner
texture pattern ofsted
about icon

About Adoption

There are just under 1,900 vulnerable children waiting for adoption who need a stable, caring home right now across England.

Read more Arrow Icon
support icon

Support

We offer ongoing support and training for as long as you and your family need it.

Read more arrow icon
faq icon

Frequently Asked

Got a question about adoption? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for the answers.

Read more arrow icon
Background Texture
Background Graphic

The Process

The adoption process starts with your first email or call to us, right through to a child's first years with you and beyond. Below is an overview of the stages of the adoption process to give you an idea of what to expect. We, like many organisations, have adapted our way of working after Covid-19 and we use a mixture of online technology as well as face-to-face meetings.

1 background shape
Enquiry
Read more arrow icon
2 background shape
Online event, one to one video call, visit to you at home
Read more arrow icon
3 background shape
Registration of Interest (Stage 1)
Read more arrow icon
4 background shape
Information sharing discussion (Stage 1)
Read more arrow icon
5 background shape
Checks & references(Stage 1)
Read more arrow icon
6 background shape
Preparation Training (Stage 1)
Read more arrow icon
7 background shape
Formal Application (Stage 2)
Read more arrow icon
8 background shape
Stage 2
Read more arrow icon
9 background shape
Panel
Read more arrow icon
10 background shape
Approval
Read more arrow icon
11 background shape
Family Finding
Read more arrow icon
12 background shape
Linking and Matching
Read more arrow icon
13 background shape
Placement
Read more arrow icon
14 background shape
Support
Read more arrow icon
See Full Process arrow icon
texture pattern

Featured Updates

Our latest news, blogs, videos and adopter stories.

news icon
Adoption Matters rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for fifth time in a row

Adoption Matters rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for fifth time in a row

Leading voluntary adoption agency Adoption Matters has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted inspectors for the ...

Read more
blog icon

Guest blog: Blending birth & adopted children

Guest blog from justafamilystory adopter who talks about how to blend birth & adopted children   O...

Read more
video icon

Young people talk adoption

We together with a group of other Voluntary Adoption Agencies in England commissioned this animation inspir...

Read more arrow icon
See all updates arrow icon
texture pattern

Meet some of the 1,900 children waiting to be adopted

See all children arrow icon
Carrie-May – Aged 6

Carrie-May – Aged 6

Carrie May (6) is a bright little girl who loves all things girly. She likes to sing along to songs that sh...

Read more arrow icon
Barney and Mason – Aged 6 and 3

Barney and Mason – Aged 6 and 3

Barney (5) and Mason (3) are brothers who have always lived together, and want to stay together. They have ...

Read more arrow icon
Lola – Aged 4

Lola – Aged 4

Lola (4) has a cheeky personality and a lovely smile. She likes sensory activities such as popping bubbles,...

Read more arrow icon
Jayden – Aged 2

Jayden – Aged 2

  Jayden (2) is a happy, smiley boy who loves to be around people. He likes to make a lot of noise and...

Read more arrow icon
Kira and Olivia – Aged 5 and 2

Kira and Olivia – Aged 5 and 2

Kira (5) and Olivia (2). Kira has had a lot of changes in her life and she needs a family who can give her ...

Read more arrow icon
blob shape blob shape 2

Upcoming Events

Check out our latest recruitment, fundraising and Centre for Adoption Support events.

All events arrow icon

Adoption Info Events

06 Jun
background shape

Online Adoption Information Event – 06 June

Our online adoption information events are a convenient way to find out more about adoption, our Ofsted out...

Read more arrow icon
20 Jun
background shape

Adopting with Concurrent Planning Online Adoption Information Event – 20 June

Want to find out more about this innovative route to adoption combining fostering and adoption? Adopting wi...

Read more arrow icon
22 Jun
background shape

Online Adoption Information Event – 22 June

Our online adoption information events are a convenient way to find out more about adoption, our Ofsted out...

Read more arrow icon

Centre for Adoption Support Events

08 Jun
background shape

Webinar – Brain to Brain: Parenting with PACE principles

About this Webinar: PACE stands for a way of being with your child. It is informed by our understanding of ...

Read more arrow icon
16 Jun
background shape

Webinar – The Nurtured Heart Approach®

About this Webinar: The Nurtured Heart Approach® (NHA) is a relationship-focused parenting approach which w...

Read more arrow icon
21 Jun
background shape

Webinar – Child to Parent Violence and Aggression – Understanding and Supporting your Child

About this Webinar: We are aware that for many families child to parent violence is a significant issue and...

Read more arrow icon

General & Fundraising Events