A CAMPAIGN aims to debunk the myths around adoption and highlight the number of children looking for a new family.
Regional agency Adoption Central England (ACE), which covers Warwickshire, Coventry, Solihull and Worcestershire, has launched a nationwide recruitment campaign to raise awareness of adoption.
The #YouCanAdopt campaign will tackle misconceptions around eligibility including the belief single people, older people, and those in the LGBTQ community are not allowed to adopt.
Earlier this year, a report revealed over four in ten adults in the UK have considered adoption or would consider adoption in the future. But over six in ten adults do not feel they know much about the adoption process which might discourage them from taking the first steps – something the campaign aims to change.
It will also target potential parents from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, as children in these groups wait longer for adoptive parents.
The agency wants to encourage people to consider adopting older children, sibling groups and those with more complex health needs or disabilities.
Manager Brenda Vincent said: “The key message of this new campaign is ‘you can adopt’ and we want anyone who is thinking about adoption to get in touch. The future of many children depends on adults exploring adoption and taking the first step towards becoming an adoptive parent. We need to address misunderstandings and outdated views to ensure that nobody is discouraged from taking the first important step towards adopting a child.”
Coun Jeff Morgan, spokesman for children’s services at Warwickshire County Council, said: “At Warwickshire County Council we are incredibly grateful to all of our adoptive families. People may think that there are barriers to adoption based on their relationship status or ethnicity and I want to reassure our prospective families that this is not the case and I want to actively encourage anyone thinking about adoption to get in touch.
“Thinking about adoption is an important decision and it’s not only your life that will change, you will be able to provide a child with a loving and stable home and give them a stronger start in life.
“Adopting through ACE provides the adoptive family and children with ongoing support throughout the process. You will have access to an information event with existing adopters and a social worker.”
The #YouCanAdopt campaign features a new film which includes familiar faces such as singer Sinitta and TV vocal coaches Carrie and David Grant alongside adoptive families. The film dispels some of the misconceptions about adoption using a recurrent theme – you can adopt.
A podcast series is also being released, featuring famous voices such as Anna Richardson and Sinitta, who talk to families about the adoption process and their personal journey.
Visit aceadoption.com for more information.
