National campaign highlights the need for more adopters to come forward
Herefordshire Council is supporting the national ‘You Can Adopt’ campaign in partnership with Adoption Central England (ACE) to highlight the need for more adopters to come forward.
The new campaign called ‘The Journey’ aims to inspire more people to take the first step towards becoming a family through adoption. It shows that adoption is a road trip for families, which may have its challenges but is one too of love.
Adoption experts have highlighted a decline in adoption rates. There is now a 14% increase in children needing an adoptive family, compared to 2022-2023 and fewer families coming forward to adopt.
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. 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. While 77% felt it was the most challenging thing they have ever done; this was outweighed by the 83% 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.
Councillor Ivan Powell, Herefordshire Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“We’re proud to support ‘The Journey’ campaign. It shares powerful stories of how adoption transforms the lives of so many people and raises awareness of the increasing number of children who are waiting to find a loving home.
“It’s clear that there are many misconceptions around adoption and it’s important that they are addressed through campaigns such as this. We want all children to have the best start in life and grow up in a stable, caring environment. If that can’t be provided within their own family then we need to look to others who can offer a child a long term home.
“The adoption process is a journey but it’s hugely rewarding for the child and for the Adopters. If it’s something that you’ve been considering, then please get in touch with the team at ACE for a chat.”
ACE welcomes enquiries about adoption from all sections of the community and experienced adoption social workers are available to answer any questions you may have.
Brenda Vincent, Head of ACE, said:
“Whilst we are really pleased that more families have come through ACE to become adoptive parents, there is still a shortfall of adoptive families in the ACE region which covers Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.
“We have many children waiting for families, and we are particularly keen for more people to come forward who will consider a ready-made family of 2 or more children.
“Prospective adopters have been very positive about the preparation and training they receive through ACE and of the close and supportive relationship they have with their ACE social worker who will guide them through the process.
“I would strongly encourage anyone thinking about adoption to go to the ACE website to find out more about adoption, ACE as an organisation, the national campaign, and the support we can offer as people go on their lifelong adoption journeys.”
The ACE website contains a wealth of information about becoming an adoptive parent, the children who are waiting, and of the ongoing support that is available to you through the service.
To find out more about the ‘You Can Adopt’ campaign or to seek information or support, visit https://www.youcanadopt.co.uk or contact Adoption Central England on ACE 0300 369 0556 or though the website on www.aceadoption.com