We are a Voluntary Adoption Agency (VAA) — and proud of it. This means we are an independent, not-for-profit charity dedicated solely to creating and supporting families through adoption.
Starting the adoption journey can feel confusing. You have two options when you inquire: through your local authority or an independent VAA like us. The application process is the same for both local authority and independent VAA routes , whichever route you choose. Adoption is a significant life decision, so it’s important to find a service that suits you.
Our focus is entirely on the needs of children and the families we work with, providing personalised support tailored to each situation .
Our Vision
Every child with an adoption plan in Wales is placed with a loving family and supported to be the best they can be. That’s what drives everything we do — and why being a VAA matters.
We’re proud to work across the whole of Wales. St David’s supports adopters and children from every corner of Wales — from rural communities to urban centres. Wherever you live, we’re here to walk alongside you.
So, what exactly is a VAA?
Voluntary Adoption Agencies (VAAs) are independent, non-profit organisations dedicated to helping people from all communities and backgrounds adopt children who need loving homes. We provide a personalised service, a bespoke offering for each adopter and an alternative to local authority adoption services.
There are only two VAAs in Wales you can apply with: St David’s and Barnardo’s. We are the only one rooted here with a dedicated regional presence. With over 80 years’ experience, we are Wales’ longest-serving adoption service, helping families grow through adoption.
We’re a cause.
As a not-for-profit, every penny we raise is reinvested into the services we provide — from lifelong support for adopters and their children to specialist training, therapeutic services, and family events.
Why adopt with St David’s?
Choosing to adopt is a big decision for prospective adoptive parents — and choosing who to adopt with matters. When you adopt with St David’s, you’re not just a number on a waiting list; we are dedicated to finding families for children in need . You become part of a community. We get to know you and support you for the long haul.
We provide:
- Experienced, personal support from day one
- Tailored preparation and training to help you feel ready
- A dedicated, warm, and caring senior social worker
- Expert matching that puts your family’s needs at the centre
- Ongoing support for as long as you need it — even years down the line
- We exist because we believe every child deserves a family.
And adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes. We welcome enquiries from single adopters, LGBTQ+ families, couples, and individuals from every background and walk of life.
If you’re thinking about adoption or simply want to understand more about how it works, we’re here to talk it through and provide adoption services . No pressure, no obligation — just honest, compassionate guidance from a team who cares.
Deb’s Story
“When I started my adoption journey, I spoke to a few different agencies — both local authority and voluntary adoption agencies — as I wanted to know all my options.
I opted for St David’s and ended up adopting siblings. The voluntary agency welcomed me straight away. My social worker gave me personalised support from the very beginning and took the time to really get to know me as a prospective adopter. I liked that they’re a not-for-profit organisation, so all their energy goes into finding families for both the children waiting and the prospective adoptive parents who are ready to love them.
One thing I really value is how voluntary adoption agencies collaborate with both local authorities and statutory agencies to find families for all the different children. The high quality support hasn’t stopped since my children came home — I know they’ll be there for us for as long as we need them.”
James & Alex’s Story
“When we first started looking into adoption, we spoke to other adoptive families and decided to explore a voluntary adoption agency. We wanted to know — what is a voluntary adoption agency? We found out that voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs) are not-for-profit organisations that provide adoption services solely focused on adoption. That was exactly what we wanted.
We adopted through St David’s as they have worked with so many LGBTQ+ families, and we loved the personalised service they offered. Our social worker took the time to get to know us as prospective adoptive parents and helped us match with a child whose needs we could meet. The support has been really high quality, and we’ve become part of a local community of adoptive parents.
We also saw first-hand how voluntary agencies and local authorities join forces to find families. Both the children’s needs and our needs as prospective adopters were at the centre of the process. They really do raise awareness and focus on finding families who can offer a safe, loving home.”
