If you want to adopt a child, contact an adoption agency. In Germany, adoptions may only be arranged by certain agencies, the adoption agencies (Adoptions-Vermittlungsstellen).

The adoption agency is responsible for the adoption of related children, stepchildren and other people's children.

Adoption is a process and you will be supported by the adoption agency throughout the entire process. Even after the adoption process has been completed, you have a legal right to advice and support.

The adoption office will check whether you are suitable to adopt a child. To do this, you take part in a seminar, submit documents and have discussions with the team at the adoption office. Home visits also take place. The focus here is on the welfare of the child and safeguarding their rights and needs.

If you are eligible as an adoptive parent, you will be recognized as a suitable adoption applicant. The adoption agency can then place a child.

The team at the adoption center decides who is selected for which child. A placement is made when a positive parent-child relationship can be expected to develop.