National Adoption Week highlights adoption journeys of all kinds 

Grandpa with grand daughter Winne on the train journey with adoptive Mum Rachel

This National Adoption Week (Monday 21 to Sunday 27 October), we’re 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. 

As part of The Journey campaign, a new short film, set onboard a train, follows the stories of three adoptive families on their travels. Just like adoption, trains connect people to one another and act as a fitting metaphor for the adoption journey – one that is full of adventure, chaos, and love. 

Each family explores how, just like all families, adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes and go through ups, downs and detours during their lifelong journey – but ultimately the experience has been positive and definitely worthwhile. 

Rachel, who features in the film alongside her two-year-old adopted daughter Winnie, father Daniel and social worker Becky, said: 

“You have an idea in your head of what family looks like, and for us it’s been different, but even more wonderful in different ways. For me, it’s really important that Winnie has a sense of herself and her identity – that she understands that not only do all families look different, but she has more than one family, and that’s OK.” 

Amanda White, Head of Adopt South West, adds: 

“There are children all across our region looking for loving homes and many are primary school age children,  brothers and sisters and children with disabilities and additional health needs. No matter their background, all they need is their loving family to change their life. 

“There is ongoing support from our service, support from other adopters, as well as your own support network. The adoption process is thorough, but it’s not as difficult or onerous as people first think. There’s no doubt that it’s hard work – any parent will tell you that – but it’s so rewarding. Our adopters tell us they find it to be a journey of self-discovery and a time when they learn so much about children who are waiting for a family.” 

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.