Adoption
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Irish National Law
What is this right?
Adoption in Ireland creates a permanent legal relationship between the adoptive parents and the child, equivalent to birth parentage. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) oversees all adoptions.
- Both married couples and cohabiting couples can adopt (since the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015).
- A sole applicant can also adopt.
- The child's welfare is the paramount consideration — the court and the AAI must be satisfied that adoption is in the child's best interests.
- Step-parent adoption is possible where one parent is the birth parent.
The process involves an assessment (home study) by Tusla (the Child and Family Agency) or an accredited body, followed by an Adoption Order from the High Court (domestic) or the AAI (intercountry).
When does it apply?
- You wish to adopt a child and can provide a stable, loving home.
- The birth parents' consent is normally required — unless the court dispenses with consent on grounds of failure in parental duty or abandonment.
- Intercountry adoption must comply with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.
- There is no upper age limit for adopting, but the AAI considers the applicants' ability to care for the child throughout childhood.
What should you do?
- Contact Tusla or an accredited adoption agency to begin the assessment process.
- The assessment involves interviews, background checks, medical reports, and referee checks — it typically takes 6–12 months.
- Once declared eligible, you may be matched with a child (domestic) or placed on a waiting list (intercountry).
- The Adoption Order is granted by the High Court — this gives the child all the rights of a child born to the adoptive parents.
- Adopted persons aged 18+ can apply to the AAI for information about their origins under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't attempt to arrange a private adoption — all adoptions must go through Tusla or an accredited body. Private placements for adoption are unlawful.
- Don't assume the process is quick — adoption is a thorough process designed to protect the child's welfare.
- Don't give up — while the process is rigorous, the outcome is a permanent family relationship protected by law.
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