The move could bring hope to Canberrans wanting to adopt, after the ACT registered its lowest adoption rate on record last year.

In November, Fairfax Media reported Barnardos Australia had wanted to secure an adoption licence in the ACT but was told ''many times'' not to apply because it would not be granted.

Since then, Barnardos Australia chief executive Louise Voigt and ACT Children and Young People Minister Joy Burch have met to discuss potential changes to ACT adoption methods.

Ms Voigt said she was excited by the possibility of being able to adopt ACT children to ACT families.

''We're feeling incredibly encouraged,'' she said. ''Our staff were quite delighted because they've got a number of children with ACT families who they think would be suitable and the ACT population has been very supportive as foster carers.''

A spokesman for the minister said adoption would be considered as part of a wider out-of-home care strategy.

''As we all have the best interests of children at heart it is appropriate that we consider options which give children the opportunity for long-term care in a loving family home, and this includes adoption,'' the spokesman said.

The move is part of a five-year strategy for out-of-home care in the ACT.

''This strategy will address options for strengthening the focus on permanency for children and young people in care including consideration of which agencies should be involved in this work,'' the spokesman said.

The reaction from adoption and foster-care advocates in the ACT has been cautiously hopeful.

ACT Adopted Families Association president Bronwyn Lucey said she would celebrate when she saw actions rather than words.

''It's a great start, but as with all things we'll be excited when there's actual doing rather than talking,'' she said.

Former president of ACT Foster Care Association Suzanne Mannion has been a foster parent for more than 17 years.

She has seen many foster families who would have adopted their children but did not have the opportunity in Canberra.

''I can absolutely tell you that those of us who take on children permanently … our commitment to our kids is just as deep as if we'd given birth to them,'' she said. ''They are our children.''

Mrs Mannion believed the ACT foster care system was too overloaded to deal with the number of children in its care.

She hoped the changes would ease the pressure on the system and provide children with opportunities for normal lives.

''I'm pleased to hear that the door has opened a crack,'' she said. ''I'm hopeful that [the government] would move efficiently to examine the situation thoroughly.''