Adoption provides a permanent new family for a child when living with their own family is not possible. When a child is adopted by another family, the birth parents give up their legal rights over their child and are not entitled to see their child again.
An explanation of who can adopt, how you can adopt your step-children and information if you want to adopt a child from abroad.
The nine steps you go through to officially adopt a child.
We offer long-term support to adoptive families.
How to trace your birth parents if you have been adopted.
Everything you want to know about becoming a foster carer – what it's like, the different types of fostering, the support you receive and how to register your interest in becoming a foster carer.
The team support adoptive and birth families, and people who have been adopted, including help with contact issues. For families, we can provide training and long term support, counselling and financial help where appropriate.
East Sussex County Council