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. To find out more, read the adopting a child in the NT fact sheet PDF (163.8 KB).

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 in adopting a child, follow these steps:

Fill in an expression of interest form as the first official step in the adoption process:

You must also declare:

that you have not had a previous adoption registration cancelled or rejected
a child has not been removed from your care
you have not been convicted of an offence involving abuse or abduction of a child
you're mentally and physically capable of caring for a child.

Submit the completed form by mail or email the Adoption Unit.

The Adoption Unit will then contact you and make an appointment to discuss your circumstances.