THE ADOPTION AUTHORITY OF IRELAND
Our Mission
"To ensure the provision of the highest possible standards of adoption related services, throughout the lifelong adoption process, with the best interest of children as the first and paramount objective"
The Adoption Authority of Ireland was established as an independent regulatory body on 1st November, 2010 following the enactment of the Adoption Act 2010
Our Goals
To achieve the highest standard in the regulation and operation of adoption services in Ireland.
To apply informed and balanced decision-making in adoption services, in accordance with national and international law and evidence-based practice.
To inform and influence adoption policy and service delivery by reason of a practical understanding of the operations of the legislation through the provision of a comprehensive information, research and communications framework.
To plan and implement the changes required in organisation policies and operational procedures in line with emerging legislative changes.
To maintain an efficient, competent, accountable and learning organisation.
Latest News
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26 Jan 2023Vacancy: Intercountry Adoption(ICA) Tracing Professionally Qualified Social Worker - PermanentRead more →The Adoption Authority is recruiting for an Intercountry Adoption(ICA) Tracing Professionally Qualified Social Worker - Permanent .
The role description is available here, and in the Irish language here.
The Candidate Information Booklet is available here.
The Application Form is available here.
Closing date is 12 noon on Wednesday 15 February 2023
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10 Jan 2023 -
23 Dec 2022Upcoming Barnardos Adult Post Adoption GroupsRead more →Please see below information on upcoming Barnardos Post Adoption Groups
Groups for Adopted Adults
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On Tuesday the 24th of January 2023 we will be holding a support group for adopted adults from our Head Office in Christchurch Square, Dublin. This group will run from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
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The purpose of this group will be to provide a safe and confidential space for adopted adults to meet and share their experiences with each other and avail of support.
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If you are interested in attending this course please register by emailing your interest along with your name and contact number to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For Groups for Individuals Subject of an Illegal Birth Registration-
We plan to facilitate a 6-week therapeutic group for individuals subject of an illegal birth registration. This course will run on Tuesdays for six weeks from 31st January to 18th April 2023 from our Head Office in Christchurch Square, Dublin. This group will run from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This course is designed around therapeutic group practice, a reflective therapeutic space for those whose births were illegally registered. Developed for those who discovered this information either in their childhood or more recently as adults.
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Course dates: 31st January 2023, 14th February 2023, 28th February 2023, 14th March 2023, 28th March 2023, 18th of April 2023
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For more information and details of how to register for this course please see details on our website Illegal Birth Registrants Therapeutic Support Course... (barnardos.ie)
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We also plan to hold an online support group for individuals subject of an illegal birth registration on Thursday 26th of January 2023 from 7.30pm - 9pm. This meeting is open to adults who were illegally registered at birth.
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If you are interested in attending this course please register by emailing your interest along with your name and contact number to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Groups for Birth Mothers
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On Wednesday the 8th of February 2023 we will be holding a confidential, in person support course for birth mothers in Cork from our Cork Regional Office, Meade Street, Cork. This group will run from 10.30am – 12.30pm. The purpose of the course is to provide a safe space for women whose children have been adopted. The meeting provides an opportunities for women to meet with others who have shared common experiences and avail of support.
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To register please email your name and contact number to our Post Adoption Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone the Post Adoption Service office in confidence for further information at (021) 2038005.
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On Monday 13th of February 2023 we will be holding a confidential, in person support course for birth mothers in Dublin from our Head Office in Christchurch Square, Dublin. This group will run from 10.30am – 12.30pm. The purpose of the course is to provide a safe space for women whose children have been adopted. The meeting provides an opportunities for women to meet with others who have shared common experiences and avail of support.
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To register please email your name and contact number to our Post Adoption Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone the Post Adoption Service office in confidence for further information at (01) 8134100.
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