What is the process with adopting a child?

An application to adopt a child, whether the child was born in New Zealand or overseas, is made under the Adoption Act. Different processes are followed according to where the child was born. In New Zealand adoptions are overseen by Child Youth and Family who must approve the adoption and who match parents who wish to adopt with an available child. They should be your first point of reference. Adopting a child from overseas can be an extremely complex process. We recommend that you contact ICANZ which is a non-profit organisation providing support to New Zealand families and children from overseas orphanages.