Adopting siblings

Yes. In the UK, you can adopt siblings together if you meet the general adoption criteria. There are many sibling groups of two, three or more children waiting for adoption so we actively encourage people who want to become a parent through adoption to consider adopting more than one child, if they are able to, and help keep brothers and sisters together.

To be eligible to adopt children in the UK, couples and individuals must the following criteria:

• Being over 21 years old.
• Having the ability to provide a stable and loving home for a child.
• Passing the necessary background checks and assessments.

Yes, you can choose how many brothers or sisters you adopt. You can express your preferences during the adoption process, including the number of children you feel able to care for. Your social worker will help you assess what’s realistic based on your circumstances.

Where possible, it’s generally considered better for siblings to stay together through adoption. There is a particular need for families willing to adopt brothers and sisters together as maintaining their bond can offer emotional support and ease transitions. Separation is only considered when it’s in the children’s best interests.

Adopting siblings helps keep family bonds intact and can reduce trauma caused by separation. It also avoids multiple adoption processes and helps children settle more easily when they stay with people they know and trust.

Yes. Single people can adopt siblings, as long as you can meet the emotional, physical, and practical needs of the children. What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, stable, and loving home.

You don’t need a large house to adopt siblings, but you’ll need at least one spare room to ensure there is enough space for each child to have their own bed and privacy. Your social workers will help assess your living space during the adoption process.

The adoption process for siblings typically takes 6–12 months. This includes preparation, assessment, and matching. However, timescales can vary depending on the needs of the children and your individual circumstances.

You can prepare your home by making space for each child and talking openly with other family members. PACT’s training and support groups offered during the adoption process will help you build confidence and prepare emotionally.

Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, PACT offers specialist therapeutic support. All PACT adopters have access to a wide range of adoption support including training, adopter support groups, education support, activities for children, access to our online support platform Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH) and PACT’s Family And Children Therapeutic  Support (FACTS).