Legalise adult adoption
We think it is time for adult adoption to be legalised in the UK. We believe amending this law would offer individuals the opportunity, as a legal adult, to sever connections with absent, abusive, or otherwise unsuitable parents.
Signatures
579
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 579/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 579/100,000
- 08 MAY 2025Petition closedFinal total: 579 signatures
- 08 NOV 2024Petition opened for signatures
Background
Places legalising adult adoption include:
- Some US States
- Some Provinces in Canada
- Japan
- Germany
The age for adoption ends when the individual reaches 18. Due to this being the cut off age, this doesn't give the individual the independence of being classed as an adult and processing their own adoption application. Applications made prior to the age of 18 are subject to the approval of the named parents, except in specific circumstance.
We believe this law is extremely detrimental to the mental health of individuals who have experienced abuse at the hand of their parent(s).