Cumbria’s adoption agency is appealing for more adopters to come forward as it joins a national campaign aimed at reversing a concerning decline in adoption rates in England.
For the first time in recent years there are now more children in England in need of a permanent home than those coming forward to adopt.
Nine out of 10 prospective adopters say the cost-of-living crisis is directly affecting their adoption decisions.
Cumbria Adoption Service manager Ruth McHugh said there has been a marked slowdown in adoption enquiries in the county this year, which mirrors the national picture.
“Last year Cumbria Adoption enabled 40 children being cared for by Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council to join new adoptive families.
“Every child should have a loving, permanent home, so it is concerning we don’t have enough adopters coming through to meet the needs of some of our children.
“Adoption England research has found the cost of living and other factors have been leading to many people interested in adoption putting the idea on hold. Our message is that while you need to have a stable home in place, there is never a perfect time to adopt.
“We’re encouraging anyone considering adoption to take the first step in their journey and get in touch with Cumbria Adoption – because the right time for our children waiting for their forever family would be now.
“Like all parenting, adoption has its ups and downs. Amid the joys and rewards there will be bumps in the road, but Cumbria Adoption offers a whole range of support to our children and adopters all the way through the adoption process and beyond.”
In Cumbria this week there are 31 children – 20 boys and 11 girls – being cared for who are likely to need new stable, loving adoptive homes in the coming months.
Fourteen are waiting for their plan that they should be adopted to be approved by the court, while 17 children are going through the process of being matched with suitable adopters. Ten of these 17 already have a link with potential adopters, but adopters need to be found for the remaining seven.
Seventeen of the 31 children became cared for by their local council when they were less than three months old because their parents were unable to look after them safely.
Cllr Emma Williamson, executive member for children and family wellbeing and housing at Cumberland Council, said: “There are 15 children going to bed in Cumberland tonight who are likely to need an adoptive family.
“They have already had a difficult start in life and need their new loving home. People can adopt from all walks of life and you don’t have to be perfect, so please think about coming forward now.”
Cllr Janet Battye, cabinet member for children’s services at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “In Westmorland and Furness today there are 16 children likely to need an adoptive family. If you can give these children a loving, stable, permanent home then this would be the right time for them, so please get in touch to find out more.”
The national You Can Adopt campaign film is called The Journey and follows real adoptive families chatting about their experiences while on a car journey, showing that much like any family trip, adoption is an adventure filled with chaos, challenges, conversations – and love.
To find out more about starting your adoption journey with Cumbria Adoption go to www.cumbriaadoption.org.uk where you can book on an information event, request an information pack or a phone call, and read about the children who need adopting.
You can also find out more about adoption in general, including videos, podcasts and book and blog recommendations at www.youcanadopt.co.uk/thejourney.
