Adopt a close relative or stepchild

You must tell your local council if you want to adopt a close relative or stepchild. Find contact information for your local council's adoption service on gov.scot.

The usual rules about who can adopt a child in Scotland will still apply even if the child is a close relative or stepchild.

Your local council will prepare a report for the court. This is normally done within 12 weeks of you applying.

The report will include things such as:

• your relationship with the child
• your relationship with your partner
• the child's relationship with their birth parents
• the birth parents' wishes
• the child's wishes
• a recommendation on whether the adoption is in the child's best interests

A judge will read the report and decide whether to approve the adoption.

Other options for looking after the child

There are many different options for looking after a child. Speak to your local council about the options available. They will consider the child's circumstances and help to make the best decision for them.