Adoptive families urgently needed for children in care in West Yorkshire

There are currently 180 children across West Yorkshire who are waiting for permanent, loving homes due to a shortage of people coming forward interested in adoption.

Current statistics show that the number of children in Yorkshire who have a plan for adoption outnumber those people coming forward to be adoptive parents by three to one, with the majority being older children or sibling groups of two or more.

In order to encourage more people to consider adoption, One Adoption West Yorkshire is sharing the stories of those who have already started their adoption journey, during this year’s National Adoption Week, which takes place from 15 to 21 October.

Sarah Johal, head of One Adoption West Yorkshire said:

“We would love to hear from potential parents and anyone interested in learning more about adoption. Considering adoption is a huge decision for anyone. At times it is challenging, as parenthood is for everyone, but adoption is an incredibly rewarding and positive experience. 

“People often assume that you have to be a certain type of person to adopt, but this isn’t the case. We want people who are committed to having a positive impact on a child’s life, and are devoted to providing them with a secure and loving home.

“The team has lots of experience helping people create a family and are always on hand to answer your questions. This year we’re sharing our adopters’ stories so that anyone considering adoption can hear first-hand from our wide variety of parents and read about their adoption journeys.”

A wide variety of adopter stories can be found at The One Adoption website: https://www.oneadoption.co.uk/west-yorkshire/adoption-stories including: Annie and Bob who adopted three sisters, Matt and James who adopted through an Early Permanence Placement and Kate and Alfie who adopted in later life.

During National Adoption Week One Adoption is also hosting a live Facebook question and answer session on Tuesday 16 October from 11:30-13:30, where adoption social workers and adoptive parents will be online to respond to questions from people interested in finding out more about adoption. Anybody can take part via the One Adoption Facebook page.

One Adoption holds regular adoption information events across the region where people can hear about the kind of children who are waiting to be adopted and talk to adoption social workers to find out more.

The next information events in West Yorkshire are:

• 23 October, 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Brian Jackson House, Huddersfield  
• 6 November 2018, 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Castleford Civic Centre 
• 10 November 2018, 10am to 12 noon at Leeds Civic Hall 

Adoption is an exciting, challenging lifelong commitment. By adopting through One Adoption parents are supported throughout the whole process by a highly experienced, dedicated adoption support team. There is a comprehensive programme of pre and post adoption training and support – from stay and play sessions to more in depth workshops and a new peer mentor scheme.

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Notes to editors:

One Adoption West Yorkshire is the regional adoption agency which provides adoption services for all West Yorkshire councils.

Interviews can be arranged with adopters and adoption professionals.