Volunteering: A step towards becoming an adoptive parent

Adoption is filled with anticipation, learning, and emotional preparation. While reading books and attending training sessions are essential parts of the process, an incredibly valuable way to prepare for being an adoptive parent is through volunteering.

Volunteering in child and family-focused settings offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to build your confidence, skills, and understanding of what it means to nurture and support children from all walks of life. For those hoping to adopt, local volunteering opportunities can be eye-opening and empowering.

Why volunteering matters on the adoption journey

Adopting a child—particularly one who may have experienced trauma, loss, or instability—requires empathy and resilience. Volunteering can help you develop these skills in a real-world setting. Spending time in environments where children are central gives you first-hand experience of their developmental and emotional needs. It’s about being a regular and familiar face and about building relationships. And that’s exactly what volunteering helps cultivate.

One fantastic example of a local initiative that welcomes volunteers is Babyzone . This initiative supports parents and carers with young children under five, offering free stay-and-play sessions, support groups, and parenting advice in a warm and welcoming environment.

By volunteering with Babyzone Barnet as a prospective adopter, you can:

• Support young children in a fun, lively and caring setting
• Gain insight into early childhood development
• Contribute to a community-led initiative focused on nurturing families

Even if you hope to adopt an older child, working with young children can still be an excellent foundation for understanding attachment, development, and the importance of consistency and care. Contact Naomi, Head of Babyzone Barnet for ways you can volunteer or visit the Babyzone website to find out more and hear from other families who have volunteered. If you live in another part of London, there may be volunteering opportunities in Barking and Dagenham, Croydon and Hammersmith and Fulham.

Local Scout groups

Volunteering connects you to the wider parenting community and other volunteers. Dan and his partner Anton knew they wanted to adopt someday, and whilst Anton had worked with kids already, Dan had little experience of being around children outside of their family. Dan tells us,

‘I started volunteering at a local Scout group as a Scout leader. I had never ‘scouted’ before as a child. As a volunteer I was thrown in at the deep in (in the best way) and quickly learnt my strengths and weaknesses when it came to how I communicated with children, explaining different games and activities and how I include those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). I was provided with lots of training around SEN, promoting positive behaviour and first aid. It’s been a pleasure to see the kids grow and develop, becoming more adventurous and confident. I’ve found that it’s also a great way to grow your support network with other like-minded, local adults. This volunteering role has become part of who I am, and even after adopting, I plan to continue in some capacity.’

For your local Scouts centre, visit the Scouts website.