Nicole Richie is planning to adopt.

The 27-year-old star - who has a nine-month-old daughter Harlow with boyfriend Joel Madden - is reportedly keen to add to her family and wants to give an underprivileged child a home.

A source close to Nicole - who has come into contact with low income families through her charity organisation, The Richie-Madden Children's Foundation - said: "Nicole is seriously looking into it and asking a lot of questions about adopting.

"Nicole has been visiting Beyond Shelter in Los Angeles two or three times a week and spends a couple of hours with homeless children. She loves being around them."

However, Good Charlotte rocker Joel is less than keen on the plan.

The source added to America's Star magazine: "I don't know how keen her boyfriend is on the idea. Still Nicole is determined."

Joel, 29, recently revealed he wouldn't rule out having another baby, as long as they were as easy to bring up as Harlow.

He said: "If it could be as easy as Harlow, then sure we will have more kids."