For the first time in recent years, there are now more children in need of adoption than those coming forward to adopt. And for nearly half of the children needing adoption, it takes over 18 months to find their forever home.
We’ve launched a new campaign with You Can Adopt to inspire more people to take the first step towards growing their family. It includes a new film showing that like any family ‘road trip’, adoption is a journey full of fun, chaos, challenges and love.
Adopters from all walks of life are also sharing their own journeys as part of the campaign, including adoptive father-of-two Miles Asteri, star of the BBC’s The Traitors, who described adoption as ‘the adventure of a lifetime’.
He says:
“Adoption has always been a part of my life, as my mother was also adopted, and so we knew it would be the right way to grow our family. Before you adopt it’s natural to have lot of questions or worries. But I don’t think anyone truly feels prepared for the experience of becoming a parent until their child makes them one.
“Like all families with young kids, we’ve had our chaotic moments, but it’s been rewarding like nothing else – watching our daughters grow into the wonderful little people they are is an unparalleled feeling. I would urge anyone thinking about adoption to just start that journey – for us, it’s been the adventure of a lifetime.”
Many people hold back from starting their adoption journeys because they’re waiting for the ‘perfect’ time or circumstances – but for a child in need of a permanent home, the perfect time is now. Like any new parents, many prospective adopters worry about their ability to cope – but with adoption, this is a journey you can navigate together, with support available along the way.
From picking up the phone and making that first enquiry, to bringing their child home and experiencing life together as a family and receiving dedicated support throughout, adoption is a life-long journey. The campaign showcases that while there may be bumps in the road, adopting a child in need of a forever home will take you to places you never imagined – once you take that first step.
Find out more about starting your adoption journey with Adopt South West.
To find out more about the campaign and You Can Adopt, visit youcanadopt.co.uk