A children’s charity covering the Warrington area is supporting National Adoption Week as figures reveal a significant shortage of approved adopters waiting to give children a permanent family.
Adoption Matters, which operates across the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Shropshire, is highlighting the need for more people to consider adoption.
The latest figures show 2,970 children are waiting to be adopted in England, compared with just 1,350 approved adopter families waiting to welcome a child – a shortfall of 1,620.
The charity says nearly 1,000 additional children could have permanent homes by 2030 if adopter registrations returned to the levels seen just five years ago.
National Adoption Week runs from October 19 to 25, with Adoption Matters sharing the experiences of families who have adopted to encourage more people to consider opening their homes to children.
The charity hopes to challenge misconceptions about adoption, stressing that people do not need to be perfect parents or have every aspect of their lives figured out before making an enquiry.
Instead, it says adoption is about providing stability, love and a safe environment in which children can thrive.
Emma and Chris, from Stoke-on-Trent, adopted their youngest daughter when she was two years old, welcoming her into the family as a little sister to their biological daughter, who was six at the time.
The couple had always wanted to adopt but decided to bring their plans forward following serious health complications during Emma’s pregnancy.
They said: “The adoption process can be a difficult process to go through and to rationally think about how you can support the child can be a very hard thing to do.
“Adoption isn’t easy, however, it absolutely is the best thing we have ever done.
“Both our girls are thriving and think the experience has supported them both positively.”
April, a solo adopter from Liverpool, said she had initially been nervous about making an enquiry, fearing her circumstances – including being a single queer woman living in a small home – might count against her.
However, she said the things she had worried about turned out to be strengths rather than barriers.
Her little boy came home to live with her two-and-a-half years ago.
She said: “When I look back at photographs from the days he first moved in, I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone or how much he’s grown and changed.
“Back then, I was pushing him around in a buggy. Now he’s out running me every single day.”
April said there had been challenges along the way, particularly as a solo adopter, but praised the ongoing support provided by Adoption Matters.
The charity had introduced her to networks and communities of other adopters, helping her build genuine friendships.
Adoption Matters chief executive Susy White said the charity understood that making an initial enquiry could feel overwhelming.
She said many members of the team were adopters themselves and understood the mixture of emotions people could experience when considering adoption.
Ms White said: “We want you to know you’re not alone. There’s no rush, and absolutely no pressure to make any decisions right away.
“Whether you’re thinking about the future or simply curious to learn more, we’re here to guide you with open hearts and honest advice.”
She said the charity hoped National Adoption Week would encourage more people to consider adoption and discover the difference they could make to a child’s future.
Adoption Matters is hosting an online information event on Tuesday, October 20, at 12.30pm.
A further online event is planned for November 3 at 7.30pm, when prospective adopters will be able to meet Steve, who will talk about his adoption journey.
For more information or to download an adoption information pack, visit https://www.adoptionmatters.org
