National Adoption Week highlights adoption journeys of all kinds

This National Adoption Week, Devon County Council are showcasing adoption journeys of all kinds, and the important people who are there along the way, as part of this year’s You Can Adopt campaign, The Journey.

The campaign raises awareness of modern adoption and showcases the diversity of adoptive families today, showing that the journey to a family is not always a traditional one.

There’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ family, according to 61 per cent of people in South West England (from Bristol to the Isles of Scilly). The survey by You Can Adopt has also revealed that four in 10 (41 per cent) have a ‘chosen family’ and 57 per cent come from a ‘non-traditional’ family structure.

Amanda White, Head of Adopt South West, says:

“The vast majority of people feel it’s important to teach children that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that this promotes acceptance of children from non-traditional families.

“Now is the time to think again about adoption and be open to adopting beyond your first thoughts about a traditional family, and a child’s ability, their age, or gender.

“With fewer potential adopters coming forward, children of all ages can face delays to find their forever home. Across the whole of South West England, there has been a 22 per cent increase in the number of children with a plan for adoption who are not yet matched with an adoptive family. And so more children are yet to be placed with a family than there are approved adopters waiting to be matched with a child.”

The campaign will show adopters that they are not alone, by highlighting the people who play a significant role in each family’s lifelong journey and makes each experience unique – from foster carers and social workers, to birth families and the adoption community.

Ready to adopt?

Use the Adopt South West ‘Ready to adopt?’ checker to learn more about who can adopt and when the time might be right for you.

To find out more about adoption or starting your own adoption journey, visit Adopt South West.