Adoption, fostering and surrogacy

An outline of the adoption procedure in Ireland.

The procedure involved for Irish parents in intercountry adoptions. Requirements to be met by prospective adopting parents.

Adoptive Benefit is a payment made to people on adoptive leave from work. Find out how to apply and rates of benefit.
This document is in: Social Welfare > Social welfare payments > Families and children

People who 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: Employment > Employment rights and conditions > Leave and holidays

There are currently about 6,000 children in foster care in Ireland. Find out about fostering in Ireland and how you can become involved.

Surrogacy is a way for a childless couple or individual to have a child. Find out more.

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