Adoption

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Adopting a child from the NT

Unless exceptional circumstances exist, if you wish to adopt a child in the Northern Territory (NT), you must be:

an Australian citizen or permanent resident
living in the NT
in a relationship (either married or de-facto)
between 25 and 40 years older than the child you wish to adopt, or up to 45 years older if you have care and custody of another child.

You must also meet the suitability requirements.

If you're single, you may be able to adopt a child in exceptional circumstances.

The adoption must be in the best interests of the child.

You will be assessed for your suitability including whether you're already known to the child or are well-equipped to meet the child's needs.

To register your interest and arrange to attend an information session, phone 08 8922 7443 or email dcf.adoptions@nt.gov.au.

During the session, you will be provided with information about:

You will receive an information pack with additional information about adopting a child.

If you wish to go ahead with adoption after attending the information session, an Expression of Interest form will be provided to you.