Because it coincides with National Adoption Week (October 20th to 26th), black history monthA new campaign led by Can be hired It challenges one of the biggest misconceptions that holds people back, that children need the perfect home, and encourages more black families to consider adoption.
New campaign “welcome home”celebrates the beauty of a perfectly imperfect family life, where love, culture, and a sense of belonging take precedence over picture-perfect ideals.
A new survey of 500 UK adoptive parents found that: Almost nine out of ten (86%) I was worried about needing the “perfect home” before adopting. However, reality tells a different story.
- 41% Adoptive parents surveyed who live in homes with two or fewer bedrooms
- 65% I don’t have a garden
- twenty five% live in a rental house
Yet these homes provide a haven of love and stability for children who need it most.
Insights from adoption agencies across the country show that the cost of living crisis is contributing to a decline in the number of people seeking to adopt, with new data showing a 12% drop in prospective adoption registrations compared to last year. This means more children face delays of 18 months or more before being matched with a family, with black and mixed heritage children waiting around five months longer to find a permanent home. The data also shows that black and mixed heritage children make up about 7% of children in care and only 2% of adopted children. This disparity means that unless more prospective adopters come forward, many of these children will never secure a permanent home.
Research shows that one of the many things children need in their future home is “a connection to their ethnic or cultural heritage and a space to express their identity,” cited by 20% of adoptees surveyed.
This is especially important within the Black community. In Black communities, “home” is often more than a physical space, a sense of belonging, and a bridge to identity and pride.
Jennifer, an adoptive mother of two boys, said:
“When we adopted our first son, we were worried that we wouldn’t have the perfect home. But we quickly realized that what he needed most was not perfection, but love, empathy, structure, and a reflection of ourselves in our home. All the stories of our family, all the celebrations, and all the cultural foods that make our home complete.”
To mark the start of National Adoption Week, Can be hired We have launched a new immersive installation. “welcome home”in london and leeds – A hand-painted kitchen that many families describe as the “heart” of their home. Created in collaboration with real adoptive families across the UK and inspired by their imaginations and memories, this installation captures the warmth and chaos of family life, where love is nurtured in everyday moments such as messy breakfasts, music and laughter.
Adoptive mother Jackie said:
“When I adopted my daughter, it was in the kitchen that we bonded over food, music, and making a mess. Welcome Home shows that adoption is not about perfection, but about belonging. It’s about giving a child a place at the table, and that’s where true love grows.”
Many are still worried that they do not have enough space, income and experience.
- twenty five% Percentage of adoptees surveyed who have ever doubted their ability to raise children
- twenty three% their house felt too small
- twenty one% are worried that their income is not enough
Yet, their courage to take that first step has changed countless lives.
Audrey Bouazizi, Director of Adopt London South and member of the Black Adoption Project Steering Committee, said:
“Black children and mixed-race children of African and Caribbean descent face the longest delays before finding an adoptive home because there are not enough adopters to meet their cultural and identity needs. What all children need most is love, stability and belonging, and no perfect home is what they need, so we want black children and mixed-race children to be the same as children of other ethnicities. We want to encourage more people in the Black community to consider providing a safe and stable home for a child through adoption. We want to show that your story, your culture, and your care are exactly what your child is waiting for. Contact your local agency to find out if adoption is right for you.”
take the first step
Adoption is a lifelong journey, and no one ever feels completely ready. That’s all half (56%) Percentage of adoptees surveyed agree that: “No one feels truly prepared for parenthood.” However, you will receive support every step of the way. By taking the first step, you can give your child: welcome back, Full of joy and everyday love that will shape their identity and future.
Discover how giving your children the love they deserve can bring more joy, pride, and connection into your life. See below. www.youcanadopt.co.uk/blackadopters
Source: Pride Magazine – www.pridemagazine.com
