As we prepare to introduce the new national approach to adopter approval, we will not be accepting new enquiries until August 2013. However, if you wish to be considered to adopt a disabled child, a sibling group where at least one child is of school age or a child already known to you, please contact us on 0800 801 530 or email adoptionandfostering@essex.gov.uk.

About us

The Essex County Council adoption service finds families for an average of 80 children every year.

An Ofsted inspection in February 2012  judged the service to be Good with Outstanding features, and praised our well-managed and high-quality work. 

 
We continually strive to improve people's experience of the adoption service and aim to treat everyone who comes into contact with us fairly, professionally and appropriately. 

To share your views about any aspect of our service, please contact us. 

You may also be interested in reading our policy statement. 

We provide a service for: 

• People who want to adopt a child, whether from this country or overseas 
• Adopted people who want to find their birth parents 
• Parents who want to adopt their step-children
• Families who have adopted children
• Birth parents and relatives of children who have been adopted.