Is there an upper age limit for adoption?

[Uni4life]

I'm in my early 40s and DP is mid 40s. Seriously worried that we've left it too late. I've also had treatment for depression which is part of the reason for the delay.

[Zephyroux]

I don't think so anymore. I would contact your local adoption team for a chat.

[FamiliesShareGerms]

No, 40s is not too old at all (most oft prep group were in their 40s with one couple in their 50s)

[Hels20]

I am late 30s, DH late 40s. We adopted a 2.5 year old. Provided you have the energy (!) I think you will be fine!

[Lilka]

You're a very average age for adoptive parents, not an issues at all I know a couple in my LA who adopted a 1 year old in their early 50's

Having had treatment for depression is also not a barrier to adoption, and many prospective parents have had depression. As long as you're willing to talk about it, having sought out treatment is a positive.

[Italiangreyhound]

I am 49 and have just had a three almost four year old placed with us. You are young!

I think you will be fine if you can show how you handled your depression and how you will handle it in the future if it comes back etc. There are quite a few people who have had experiences of depression, if you want specific advice you could start a thread with 'depression' in the title and get advice from others.

[fledtoscotland]

We are in Scotland and our agency has said the youngest applicant must not be any more than 45yrs older than the child you are adopting

[Italiangreyhound]

We were told (about 2 years ago) that there could be a 50 year age gap but others have since said that there is no age limit any more.

[Kewcumber]

There is no legal age limit - Council is not allowed to discriminate generically based on age, weight, sex, health etc. All you have to bear in mind is that you will be "in competition" with other families looking to adopt and the overall package will be taken into account by social worker when looking for a good match.

In my day (10 years ago) it took a lot longer to get through (3 yrs door to door for me) but it average seems to be less than 2 years these days and a lot less if you're lucky.

[2old2beamum]

Agree with kewcumber once again, She is a wise old bird!!!

I am coming up to 71 and we have an 8 year old with complex health needs (the LA contacted us as no one suitable showed any interest in her). yes she is hard work but fits in the family so well.

Go for it you are sooooo young and good luck.
BTW in this area there are several very old parents!!

[Uni4life]

Thanks for the replies. Much relief all round.

[excitedmamma]

My DH is 57.... we adopted a 2yo.... go for it

[Devora]

Yup - we were 46 and 48 when we adopted our 10 month old. We're the wrinkliest bunch of mums you'll find on the whole of Mumsnet.

[Lilka]

I am NOT wrinkly

My skin is as smooth as a baby's bottom. I could be on a L'oreal advert, me. One of those ones where glamorous older women with blemish free invariably white visages and glossy silver hair prove just how far photoshopping technology has progressed in a short space of time.

Scrap that, I should be on a catwalk

[2old2beamum]

Oh Lilka!!
What is your secret, probably too late for me!!

[Lilka]

My secret? Well, I'm not giving away the exact recipes and Magicks but.......it's Witchcraft

I'm talented, me

[Devora]

C'mon Lilka, we all know you've had LOADS of work done.

[Lilka]

I have not I'm a 100% organic natural product!

It's just another part of my innate genetic superiority over you other lowly mortals

[2old2beamum]

Bows scrapes and curtsies to my superior (what a creep I am )