Eligibility criteria
To apply to adopt a child in Western Australia, you need to meet the eligibility criteria. You need to be:
- Over 18 years
- if in a marriage or defacto relationship, the relationship has existed for at least 3 years
- at least one person must be an Australian citizen and the other be a citizen of a country that gives similar rights to adopted persons
- be a resident or domiciled in Western Australia
During assessment other criteria are also considered such as
- your ability to be physically and mentally able to care for a child until the child turns 18
- your relationship is stable
- your ability to provide a suitable family environment
- you have not been found guilty of certain offences.
- you are of good repute
At the time when a child may be placed with you, other criteria also apply, such as;
- your age
- your ability to meet the cultural, ethnic, religious and educational needs of the child
- the age of children currently in the family.
Why are the requirements greater than for biological parents
You may consider the eligibility, assessment and placement criteria daunting and beyond that expected of other parents. The decision to place a child with adoptive parents is a decision that has life long implications. The Government is responsible for the care of children who are in need of adoptive placements and must be confident in the applicants parenting abilities.
Most adoptive parents comment that whilst the process is demanding they learn a lot about themselves and their relationships and find it valuable.
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If you are applying to adopt your first child as a couple then the maximum age difference allowed between the child and the youngest of the applicants is 45 years. If you are applying to adopt your first child as a single person then the maximum age difference allowed is 45 years.
The maximum age difference allowed between the child and the oldest applicant is 50 years. The age limit applies at the time the child is placed in your care not at the time of application.
If you are applying to adopt a second or subsequent child the age limits increase to 50 years between the child and the youngest applicant, and 55 years between the child and the oldest applicant.
If you are a single person applying to adopt a second child, the age gap between you and the child cannot be more than 50 years.
Please note: after you have been assessed, the Adoption Application Committee is likely to set a limit to the age of the child for which you will be approved. Most people have little parenting experience and are likely to obtain an approval for a child in the age range of birth to four years. However, this is dependent on the applicants’ skills and experience.
The length of time the adoption application and placement processes take vary significantly and may average between five to seven years. This time period may affect the likelihood of a child being placed with you, depending on your age at the commencement of the adoption application process.
It is only fair to let people know that it is looking unlikely, that for those who are commencing the adoption inquiry stage and who are 38 years or older as the younger person of a couple (or single): or 43 years and older as the older in a couple, to have a child placed. For further information please contact the Information Officers at Adoption Service.
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When age requirements don't apply
These age limits do not apply if you intended to adopt a foster child, a child in your long term care or a step child. However in all cases you would need to demonstrate an ability to remain in good health to provide care until the child reaches 18 years.
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Single people can apply to adopt Australian-born children and children born overseas. However, not many other countries accept single applicants.
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Same sex couples can apply to adopt and have their suitability assessed. Adoption of a local child is possible if the relinquishing parent/s chose the same sex couple to be the new parent for their child. In addition currently, no overseas countries accept applications from same sex couples.
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If you already have children, you can still apply to adopt.
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Age of other children at the time of adoption
The adopted child must be at least one year younger than any other child in your family. Your other children must be at least two years old at the time the adopted child is placed with you. There needs to be a two year gap between the placement of the first child and a second adopted child and any previous adoption must be finalised.
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You must provide medical evidence that you are not pregnant or undertaking fertility treatment at the time of having an adopted child placed with you.
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In addition to the Western Australian criteria, overseas countries also have their own criteria. Adoption Service has these details, which are subject to change. For more information see: Adopting a child - the next steps
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