Adoption Barometer 2026: Northern Ireland Although respondents from Northern Ireland have historically been more optimistic about their family situations than those from other UK nations, there are signs that challenges facing adoptive families in Northern Ireland are on the increase. 39% described their family’s status during 2025 as ‘facing severe challenges or at crisis point’ – the highest ever – and fewer respondents than ever before said they felt optimistic about their family’s future. Perceptions of the approvals process for new adoptive parents remain strong, with 82% feeling that their social worker was understanding and supportive during the process. However, among more established families, challenges in accessing suitable education and difficulties obtaining enhanced, therapeutic support are evident. Adoptive parents have very low confidence in the ability of adoption or other statutory services to meet the needs of adopted young adults. Use the links below to find out how the policies and practices around adoption impacted the lives of adoptive families in Northern Ireland in 2025. Download a summary The early stages Prospective adopters undergoing any part of the approvals and matching process, who had a child come to live with them, or who obtained an adoption order during 2025. Established adoptive families Adoptive parents with one or more adopted children aged 0-25 whose adoption was finalised before 2025. Parents of teenagers and young adults Parents of adopted teenagers and young adults aged 13-15. Our recommendations Back to Adoption Barometer 2026 overview Manage Cookie Preferences