Adoption (adoption mediation)

  • Service description

    Before a child is placed, adoption applicants are prepared for life with another person's child. The preparation includes a suitability check by the adoption agency of the youth welfare office or an independent organisation.

    The adoption of a child from abroad also requires extensive preparation, which is carried out by the adoption agency of the youth welfare office or by the recognised international placement agency through which the child is to be placed.

  • Procedure

    In order for you to be considered as a potential adoptive parent to take in a child, the adoption placement centre of the youth welfare office will discuss the topic of adoption with you in detail. This will clarify whether you fulfil the personal requirements for taking in a child. You will also be consulted about your personal circumstances, your social environment and your family relationships.

    If the requirements for adopting a domestic child have been positively confirmed by your youth welfare office or the adoption agency, you can apply for the adoption of a child at any youth welfare office in the Federal Republic of Germany.

    After a child has been placed with you, an adoption care period of approx. one year is required before the adoption is declared by the court. The adoption placement centre of the Youth Welfare Office is also available to advise you during this time.

  • Prerequisites

    You must be at least 25 years old. In the case of married couples, one partner must be 25 years old and the other at least 21 years old. The age difference between the child and the adoptive parents should correspond to the average age difference between biological parents and children. An upper age limit is not set by law, but age can serve as an indicator of other characteristics such as health, life experience, resilience and flexibility.

    In addition to married couples, single people can also adopt a child. In the case of unmarried couples or couples living in a civil partnership, only one partner can adopt the child. Since 2014, civil partners have been allowed to adopt the child that their partner has adopted in a subsequent adoption.

  • Which documents are required?

    • Extended certificate of good conduct,
    • Proof of income and proof of assets to verify the financial situation,
    • Health certificate to ensure that there are no life-shortening or serious mental illnesses,
    • and civil status certificates.

  • What fees are incurred?

    While the placement of a domestic child is free of charge, the placement of a child from abroad incurs fees for the preparation of the suitability report and the placement, as well as additional costs for translations and notarisation.

  • Processing time

    No information can be provided on this

  • Legal basis

  • What else should I know?

    The basic principle of every adoption placement is that parents are sought for children, not children for parents. There is no guarantee that a child will be placed.

  • Remarks

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Who should I contact?

The adoption placement centre of the local youth welfare office of the district or city in which you live is responsible.

Responsible departments