Adoption and fostering

Adoption
An outline of adoption procedure in Ireland. This includes both domestic and inter-country adoptions.

Intercountry adoption
The procedure involved for Irish parents in inter-country adoptions. Requirements to be met by prospective adopting parents.

Adoptive Benefit Adoptive Benefit is a payment made by the Irish Government to certain people that adopt children in Ireland. Find out how to apply and rates of benefit.
This document is in: Home > Social Welfare > Social welfare payments > Families and children

Adoptive leave People who live in Ireland and adopt children may be entitled to leave from employment. This leave is called adoptive leave. Find out what this means and how to apply.
This document is in: Home > Employment > Employment rights and conditions > Leave and holidays

Fostering
There are currently about 4,500 children in foster care in Ireland. Find out about fostering in Ireland and how you can become involved.

Tracing your birth family
Tracing your birth family if you have been adopted or have been in long-term foster care in Ireland.