5. Who can adopt? There are very few things that automatically bar a person from becoming an adopter. To adopt, you must be: Over 21 legally resident in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, and have been so for at least 12 months. No criminal conviction or caution for offences against children or for serious sexual offences. This applies to everyone in the household. There are many other factors that will come into consideration, but none of them automatically exclude you. The most important thing is that you are resilient and able to put your adopted child’s needs first. Manage Cookie Preferences