There are currently 2,970 children waiting for adoption in England, but just 1,350 approved adopter families waiting, showing a shortfall of of 1,620.
Nearly 1,000 additional children could have permanent homes by 2030 if adopter registrations returned to levels seen just five years ago.
To highlight the impact of these delays, children’s charity and voluntary adoption agency, Adoption Matters who cover the North West, Yorkshire & The Humber, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire and Shropshire areas, is sharing real adopter stories this National Adoption Week which runs from 19-25 October. The charity hopes to highlight that adoption isn’t about being the perfect parent, but about opening your heart, providing stability and helping a child feel loved, supported and safe.
Emma and Chris, from Stoke-on-Trent, adopted their youngest daughter when she was two years old, welcoming her into the family as a little sister to their biological daughter, who was six at the time.
“We had been together for six years before becoming a family of three with the arrival of our daughter. The pregnancy was unfortunately complicated by some serious health challenges, but thankfully, we both came through it safely. We always wanted to adopt somewhere along the line and knew we wanted our oldest to have a sibling. Due to the pregnancy, the plan was sooner than we thought!
The adoption process can be a difficult process to go through and to rationally think about how you can support the child can be a very hard thing to do.
Adoption isn’t easy, however, it absolutely is the best thing we have ever done.
Both our girls are thriving and think the experience has supported them both positively.”
April, a solo adopter from Liverpool, said it took her a while to take that first step to enquire about adopting, mainly over fears her circumstances – being a single queer woman and living in a small home. Instead, everything she thought might be a barrier turned out to be a strength.
My little boy came home to live with me two and a half years ago, and it’s been a rollercoaster ever since. When I look back at photographs from the days he first moved in, I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone or how much he’s grown and changed. Back then, I was pushing him around in a buggy. Now he’s out running me every single day.
Like any parenting journey, we’ve had our hiccups and setbacks along the way. As a solo adopter, there have been times when it’s felt particularly challenging. One of the things I’ve appreciated most is the ongoing support from Adoption Matters, which has introduced me to different networks and communities of adopters. Through those networks I’ve made genuine friendships with other adopters.
People think they need to have everything figured out before enquiring to adopt and often are nervous to take that first step. In reality, adoption agencies can offer advice at those very early stages.
Susy White, Adoption Matters Chief Executive said:
“We understand that making your first enquiry about adoption is a huge step —and it can feel overwhelming. Many of our team members are adopters themselves, so they truly understand the mix of emotions this stage can bring.
No matter your journey – Whether you’ve experienced infertility, are part of the LGBTQ+ community exploring ways to build your family, or simply want to grow your family through adoption, it’s a big step.
We want you to know you’re not alone. There’s no rush, and absolutely no pressure to make any decisions right away. Whether you’re thinking about the future or simply curious to learn more, we’re here to guide you with open hearts and honest advice.
We hope that this National Adoption Week encourages more people to think about adoption and discover the life-changing impact they can have on a child’s future. Adoption Matters is here to support people every step of the journey with advice and support”.
Adoption Matters host information events to find out more about adoption and the support they offer, they are hosting an online event on Tuesday 20th October at 12:30pm and on 3rd November at 7:30pm, where people can meet adopter Steve who will talk about his adoption journey. To find out more and download an adoption information pack, visit: www.adoptionmatters.org
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