If you are thinking about adopting a child, the first step is to contact the Department for Child Protection's Adoption Service. See Support for Those Involved in Adoption
Adoption Service staff can talk to you about what you are looking for and give you more information on the process for adopting a child.
Who can arrange an adoption in WA
Organisations must be accredited or licensed to assist in the arrangement of an adoption. The Department’s Adoption Service is the only body authorised to arrange adoptions in Western Australia.
Approval to adopt
Before you can adopt a child, you must be approved as suitable to adopt. The Department for Child Protection has the responsibility to ensure that approved applicants will be well suited to adoptive parenthood.
The Department, whilst focusing on it’s responsibilities to provide for the best interests of the adoptive child, is mindful of the sensitivities around the adoption process, and recognises that for most applicants it will seem intrusive and demanding.
The standards of service from the Department for Child Protection
The Department strives to offer a service to prospective adoptive parents that is timely, efficient and supportive. Independent research contracted in 2003 showed that 84% of applicants surveyed were satisfied with the overall service offered by the Department. Adoptive Service reviews its’ processes and procedures regularly to improve the service provided and listens to the views of those involved in adoption.
For more information see