Adoption experts have warned of a ‘concerning’ decline in adoption rates. For the first time in recent years, there are now more children in need of a permanent home than those coming forward to adopt, with a 14 per cent increase in children needing an adoptive family, compared to 2022-23. Latest data , also shows that 15 per cent fewer children were placed with an adoptive family in the last quarter.
In response, You Can Adopt has today launched its latest recruitment campaign, The Journey, which aims to inspire more people to take the first step towards growing their family. You Can Adopt is a nationwide adopter recruitment programme run by Adoption England.
The campaign comes in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, which has heightened parental anxieties about finding the 'perfect' time and circumstances to start a family, especially for prospective adopters - with nine in 102 saying it has directly affected their adoption decisions.
Like any new parents, many prospective adopters worry about their ability to cope, but experts are highlighting that adoption is a journey that can be navigated with a range of support available at every stage.
To mark the launch, new survey data reveals feeling underprepared for parenthood is very common among all parents. Being emotionally ready (44 per cent), earning lots of money (22 per cent), being at the right point in their career (19 per cent) were among the most common concerns before people start a family. However, six in ten (57 per cent) of parents in fact said, ‘they never truly felt prepared to become a parent’ and 72 per cent said there is no such thing as a ‘perfect time’ to start a family.
While 77 per cent felt it was the most challenging thing they have ever done; this was outweighed by the 83 per cent who consider parenting as the most rewarding experience of their lives. The results have been released by You Can Adopt as it highlights that, while the path may not always be smooth, the rewards of giving a child a loving, stable home are unparalleled.
Katrina Williams, Deputy Manager at Adoption Now, said: “Adoption has really changed over the years from being secretive and hidden to being an open and supportive way of finding forever families for children who really need them. We understand the importance of helping children form a positive sense of identity by providing them with information about their pasts and the chance to maintain connections with their birth family in a safe and supportive way. I am excited about the future of adoption and urge anybody who can, to join us on our journey to do all we can to help our children live the lives they deserve and to reach their full potential.”
The Adoption Process
The process of adoption aims to take around six months to approval, and involves the following 3 stage process:
Stage 1 (Approx 2 Months) Involves:
• Registering interest in adoption and submitting paperwork.
• Training and preparation.
• A medical examination.
Stage 2 (Approx 4 Months) Involves:
• Adoption Now will discuss with you your current situation along with what sort of children you will adopt.
• Number of meetings with your social worker.
• The Adoption Panel. Stage 3 (Approx 6 months) Involves:
• Matching you to a prospective adoptive child.
• Activity and Exchange Days
In 2018/2019, the average time between placement order and match for children was 6 months.
Common Myths About Adoption
FALSE: You Can’t Adopt Until You’re 25
28% of people believed that you must be 25 or older to adopt a child. This is false. You must be at least 21 to adopt a child. So long as you are financially secure and able to support a child. Every child needing adoption has a story, but you could be the one to pathe the way for a better future for them.
FALSE: People Over 50 Can’t Adopt
There really is no upper age limit on adoption. However, your eligibility is based on your health and ability to take care of a child up until adulthood.
FALSE: You Can’t Adopt If You’re LGBTQ+
You can adopt regardless of your sexuality and/or gender identity. In fact, 1 in 7 adoptions in England were to same sex couples in 2019.
FALSE: You Can’t Adopt If You Have a Disability
There are many adoptive parents with medical conditions and disabilities. A disability does not necessarily rule you out from adopting a child so long as you are capable of taking care of them into adulthood.
FALSE: You Can’t Adopt If You Rent Your Home
You are able to adopt whether you own or rent your home.
FALSE: You Can’t Adopt If You Are On Benefits
24% of people believe that you cannot adopt if you receive benefits, however, this is false. So long as you are financially stable enough to support a child, you will be able to adopt.
FALSE: You Can’t Adopt If You Are Religious or from a BAME background
You can adopt regardless of your religion and ethnicity. We strongly encourage potential parents from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds as children from the same backgrounds tend to wait longer to be matched with a new adoptive family. At Adoption Now, we focus on achieving the best we can for our children so having adopters from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures is essential to us.
FALSE: You Can’t Adopt If You Are Single
17% of people believe single people aren’t eligible to adopt. This is incorrect and 12% of adopters were single in 2019. Children’s needs vary and all sorts of people are needed to adopt. You can be single, married or in a long term ‘live in’ relationship.
FALSE: You Can’t Adopt If You Already Have Children
You can adopt if you have children, if you don’t or if you have adopted in the past.
A Word About Adoption From Celebrity Adopters…