Domestic adoption refers to the adoption of a child who is permanently in the care of the Minister of Social Services.

Birth parents may complete a voluntary committal shortly after the birth of their child or children may be apprehended and made permanent wards by the court. These children may be infants or they may be older children and may have special needs including physical health issues or intellectual impairment(s).

Children who are permanently committed to the care of the Minister of Social Services may be adopted if they are legally free for adoption and adoption is considered the best lifeplan for them. These children are matched with potential adoptive parents who have had a homestudy report completed. Processing the adoption through court is done by Social Services.