Events

Considering adoption? Join one of our information events today

You can talk to adoption social workers and families who’ve adopted, watch a presentation, find out more about the application process, and get your questions answered.

If you live in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset or Torbay and are thinking about adopting you can book a place at one of our adoption information events. These are held online, from 5:50pm to 8pm.

• Check availability and register for an online 2025 adoption information event bookings

We also hold in-person events. You can check if any are coming up by looking on our in person 2025 adoption information events booking page.

If you are related to a child you would like to adopt, please book onto a partner (step-parent) information event instead as the partner events are tailored to your circumstances. Scroll down for more about partner adoption events.

In her mid-40s, Zelda adopted three children after trying to start a family through IVF. She went to an information event back in 2019, and talks about what it was like below.

Zelda explains an adoption event (pre-meeting)

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Partner adoption events

Partner adoption is a way in which you can become the legal parent of your partner’s child or children from previous marriage or relationship. Partner adoption used to be known as step-parent adoption.

• Book a Partner adoption session in 2025

Birth family and adopted people support

We provide support for birth parents.

We also provide support for children, young adults and people who have been adopted.

Adoptive families events

We provide support events for adoptive families. These range from specialist support and training to simply a chance to socialise with other adoptive families. You can see the full list of support activities, or you can choose a type of event from the list below.

• Education psychology drop-ins
• Support groups and graduate support groups
• Life story sessions
• Parent-led groups
• Therapeutic parenting
• Wellness
• School holiday events

Community events

Throughout the year, our Adopt South West team members join community events (Pride, County Shows, festivals and more) across the region to meet people considering adoption, engage with families and promote adoption, while supporting the community. We’d love to see you, please come and say hello!

Meet our team at community events and find out more:

• Find our upcoming community events for 2025
• You can also sign up to receive email alerts about future events for potential adopters. This email alert is hosted by Devon County Council.

Support events for adoptive families are listed below

(Some events re-occur each month and are displayed by the date of the first session)