Adoption is the process whereby a child becomes a member of a new family.

It creates a permanent, legal relationship between the adoptive parents and the child. In recent years, adopting an Irish child has become increasingly rare. Many prospective parents now look abroad to adopt a child. This process is called intercountry adoption.

If you were adopted or fostered is may be possible to trace your birth family.

To find out more about Adoption, Intercountry Adoption and Tracing your birth family click on the links on the left.