To mark the launch of National Adoption Week, a new campaign and film have been released to show how the journey to adoption is different for everyone and that there is no such thing as a ‘normal'.
Through the inspiring stories of adopted families’ journeys, Havering Council is supporting Adopt London East during National Adoption Week (21-27 October 2024) to highlight the realities of modern adoption and the importance of being fully supported wherever you are on your journey.
The campaign also highlights the need for more adopters to come forward for the children who wait the longest.
Latest data from England shows there has been a 22 percent increase in the number of children with a plan for adoption not yet matched with an adoptive family.
There are now more children yet to be placed with a family, than there are approved adopters waiting to be matched.
Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“We currently have more children in need of adoptive homes and fewer people coming forward to provide a safe, stable home.
“We particularly see black children and children with additional needs waiting the longest.
“National Adoption Week gives us the opportunity to help anyone thinking about adoption to gain insight into the adoption journey and learn more about it from those who have travelled along that road.
“People considering adoption can find out more about the informal and formal support at different stages of the journey such as the help of foster carers and social workers.
“Like all journeys, adoption is not always smooth. But the final destination is a warm, loving home for a child along with security and a sense of belonging.
"And while they are not able to remain with their birth family, with the love and support of their adopters, they can still stay in touch with the people important to them in their lives.”
Anyone interested in adoption can contact Adopt London.