Can I adopt as a single parent in the UK?
Yes. You do not need to be in a relationship to adopt in the UK. Last year 24% of PACT’s approved adopters were single parents who have gone on to build loving, permanent families with one or more children. It’s one of the most common myths about adoption, and it simply isn’t true.
That said, right now PACT is only able to take forward a limited number of single applicants, because we already have a large number of approved single adopters waiting to be matched with a child. If you’re a single person considering adoption, we’d still encourage you to get in touch. Waiting lists and capacity change, and an early enquiry means you’re ready when a place opens up.
Who can adopt as a single parent?
To adopt as a single person in the UK, you generally need to:
- Be at least 21 years old (there’s no upper age limit, though you’ll need to show you can meet a child’s needs into adulthood)
- Have a stable, permanent home in the UK
- Be able to demonstrate you can provide a loving, secure environment for a child, including support from friends, family, or your wider network
- Pass the same assessment, background checks, and adoption panel process as any other applicant
Single men and single women can both adopt and there is no legal distinction in eligibility based on gender.
The single parent adoption process, step by step
- Initial enquiry – contact PACT on 0330 4564800 or fill in our online adoption enquiry form
- Information event – attend a PACT adoption information event to hear from social workers and existing PACT adopters, including single parents who’ve been through the process themselves
- Formal application and assessment – a social worker works with you over several months to complete your assessment (this is the same process for single and coupled applicants)
- Adoption panel – an independent panel reviews your assessment and recommends approval
- Matching – once approved, PACT works to match you with a child whose needs suit your circumstances
- Placement and beyond – PACT provides support for life, from placement through to adulthood
How long does single parent adoption take?
Timelines vary, but most adopters move from initial enquiry to formal approval within six months to a year, with matching taking additional time depending on individual circumstances and current waiting lists. A good first step is to download our adoption guide, which sets out the full timeline in detail.
Solo adoption support at PACT
PACT offers support for life to its families. As a single adopter, you’ll have access to the same full range of support as every PACT family, including:
- Our Strengthening Families Team
- The Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH)
- Our Adopter Champions peer support network
- Support from our Education Specialist
- Our Family And Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS) service
- A full calendar of training and support events
PACT is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and holds Quality in Adoption and Voluntary Services (QAVS) accreditation, recognition of the quality of support we provide to every family we work with, including single adopters.
Our Enquiries Line (0330 4564800) is open 10am–5pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am–8pm Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am–1pm Saturday. Fill in our enquiry form or explore our full adoption process guide and adoption FAQs for more detail. We welcome enquiries from people across the south of England, with teams in Reading, Oxford, London, Milton Keynes, and Brighton.
Children waiting for a family
Some children wait longer on average to find a family. PACT is looking for people who would consider becoming adoptive parents for these priority children. Find out about the types of children waiting for a permanent family.
Single parent adoption FAQs
Can single parents adopt in the UK?
Yes. There is no requirement to be in a relationship to adopt, and single applicants go through the same assessment and approval process as couples.
Is it possible to adopt as a single parent?
Yes, many people build their families this way. PACT has supported single men and single women through successful adoptions for years.
How long does it take to adopt as a single parent in the UK?
Most adopters reach formal approval within six months to a year of their initial enquiry, with matching taking additional time depending on circumstances.
Can a single man adopt a child?
Yes. Eligibility to adopt in the UK does not depend on gender, marital status, or relationship status.
What support is available to single adopters after placement?
PACT provides support for life, including therapeutic support, peer networks, education support, and ongoing training – the same full range of support offered to every PACT family.
