The government wants adoption services provided by local authorities to be managed across a wider geographical area, to give more children and prospective adopters the opportunity to find their perfect family - so our new Regional Adoption Agency, Adopt Coast to Coast, has been created.

Adopt Coast to Coast brings together the extensive knowledge and expertise of Durham and Cumbria County Councils and Together for Children, so you have access to children in our care right across the North East and North West.

Adopt Coast to Coast will speed up the adoption process and find the best match for the babies and children in our care right across these big regions.

Our partnership also offers the opportunity to provide greater support for, and be more responsive to, our adoptive families.

Adopt Coast to Coast is ready to receive enquiries from people interested in adoption right now. Get in touch via the Adopt Coast to Coast website or call us on 0300 026 8268.

What is adoption?

Adoption is a legal way for a child or young person up to 18 years old to gain a new legal parent(s). Once adopted, it is as if they had been born into their new family. Adoption into a new family can give children the security and stability they need. 

Who can adopt?

There are lots of myths about who can adopt but the reality is that there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ or ‘ideal’ adoptive parent. We support people with a range of different life experiences to adopt a child. 

We are looking for people who have something to offer the children we are looking after. This means you will probably be the sort of person who is adaptable, flexible, resilient and willing to develop new skills.   

We don’t have set criteria for what makes a good adoptive family, however, to adopt with us you will need to: 

• Be 21 years old or over
• Have the space to accommodate a child
• Be in good health to support a child into adulthood

Find out more about who can adopt.