This year, National Adoption Week brings together adopted people from different generations to celebrate how adoption has evolved. Hear directly from people adopted between the 1960s and 2010s about the positive impact adoption has had on them, and how adoption is changing people’s lives today.
Hear from seven people; Philip, Joy, Isabelle and Nathanial, Luke, Callum and Rico, all adopted during the past 60 years, as they discuss how adoption has shaped, and to continues to shape, their lives.
This emotional film brings to life the changes in modern adoption and how those adopted in more recent years have a much greater understanding of their heritage and are able to be more open about their family history and relationships.
Adoption has evolved significantly over the past 50 years. Modern adoption encourages families to explore and celebrate their family history, enabling them to form a positive sense of identity and belonging.
Why adopt
You may decide to adopt for many different reasons. You may have experienced infertility. You may be single, LGBTQ+ or older. You may be considering adoption because of your deep commitment to children or the planet, or you may be an experienced parent looking to grow your family through adoption. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help.
There are children all over the country who need a lifelong family. They may be young or already at school, an individual or have siblings, from a range of ethnic, cultural and faith backgrounds or they may live with a disability or health needs. Whatever the situation, adoption can provide a loving family.
At least 3,540 children were adopted in 2018–2019
Over 78,150 children were in the care of local authorities in 2019
The Adoption process
The adoption process is there to ensure that this is the right decision for you and the children waiting to be adopted. It is simpler and quicker than it has been previously and there is a lot more support available.
Normally there are four key stages in the adoption process which are illustrated below, and to be approved as an adopter typically takes around 6 months.
Most prospective adopters find the journey helps them to understand themselves and to become better parents.
Adopting brothers and sisters
There are currently 2,030 children waiting to be adopted in England, of those – 890 are part of a family group
- 520 children who are part of a sibling group have been waiting for 18 months or more to find a home
- Those adopting brothers and sisters only need to go through the process once, rather than per child
- 61% of adopters said that adopting children with their brothers and sisters has been the most beneficial factor in their children’s adoption journey
- 88% of parents that adopted brothers and sisters say the positives outweigh any challenges
- As it’s a priority to keep brothers and sisters together the matching process is often quicker
Black adopters
Black children make up 7% of looked after children
With data showing that Black children make up 7% of all looked after children, it’s important for their wellbeing and identity as they develop that they’re raised in a family that understand their heritage and cultural needs, which is why we’re encouraging more Black people and families to consider adopting. Many Black children and those from a mixed Black Caribbean or Black African heritage often wait longer to find a new family due to a shortage of adopters available. You can adopt as a single person, in a relationship or marriage and need to be a minimum of 21 years old.
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