The Consulate General for the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

How do I apply to adopt a child?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 December 2008 20:54 Wednesday, 10 December 2008 20:49

There are two ways to adopt a child through the Adoption Board:

• You can make a request to the Board for a child to be placed in your care.
• If you have a child or children already in your care, you can approach the Board to formalize the agreement.

The following steps must be followed to adopt a child:

• Visit the nearest office of the Adoption Board for an informal interview with an adoption officer.
• Complete the application form provided by the interviewing officer (if the applicant is a suitable candidate) and submit the following documents with the application form:
  • A valid form of national picture identification (passport, driver’s permit, ID card).
  • Medical reports from a doctor who is registered with the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Certificate of Character from the Criminal Records Office of the Police Service (information on how to obtain this document can be found by following the link below).
  • Any other documents the Board may request at the time of the initial interview.
• Indicate the description of the child to be adopted (for persons requesting a placement).
• Attend a private court hearing at the request of the court.

An Adoption Order is prepared when the adoption is finalised that permanently transfers the parental rights and responsibilities from the natural parents to the adoptive parents. An Adoption Certificate is issued that replaces the birth certificate.