Adoption is the transfer of all parental responsibilities from the birth parent or parents of the child to a new parent or parents. Adoption results in the complete extinguishment of the birth parents’ legal status, rights and responsibilities in relation to that child.

What is domestic adoption?

Domestic adoption is an adoption that takes place involving a child resident in Ireland to adoptive parents resident in Ireland. There are 4 types of domestic adoption:

• Step-family adoption
• Extended family/relative adoption
• Domestic infant adoption 
• Long term foster care to adoption

For information on the types of domestic adoption, see the following webpage of the Adoption Authority of Ireland. 

How to apply?

Contact your local Tusla adoption office to begin the adoption process.

Further Information

See Citizens Information for further information on domestic adoption, including the types of domestic adoption, the adoption process, relevant laws and how to apply.

What is inter-country adoption?

Inter-country adoption is where a child is adopted from a country outside of Ireland.

The Adoption Authority provides detailed information on inter-country adoption, including the application and adoption process. It also sets out which countries are signatories to the Hague Convention, making them eligible for a valid adoption arrangement with an Irish child and/or Irish adoptive parents; and associated guidelines on the adoption process applicable in respect of each signatory state.

The Citizens Information website also provides useful and accessible information on inter-country adoption, including relevant laws, the adoption process, and how to apply.

Contact your local Tusla inter-country adoption service for information on beginning the intercountry adoption process.

Further Information

The Adoption Authority of Ireland addresses the frequently asked questions on adoption on its website.

Contacts