You Can Adopt
There has been a 22% increase in the number of children with a plan for adoption who haven’t yet been matched with a family. Today, there are more children waiting than there are approved adopters. If you are interested in finding out more about adopting a child, please book onto one of our events.
National Adoption Week 2025 – Celebrating the Perfectly Imperfect
This October, we’re proud to support the National Adoption Week recruitment campaign: A Welcome Home, celebrating the perfectly imperfect homes that make adoption possible.
The campaign aims to inspire more people to consider adoption by challenging the myth that you need a ‘perfect’ home to adopt. Instead, it highlights what truly matters: love, stability, and a sense of belonging.
New research commissioned for National Adoption Week reveals that 86% of adopters were initially concerned they needed a ‘perfect home’ before adopting. But whether your home is big or small, rented or owned, whether you’re single, in a relationship, or part of a wider family network – you can offer a child a place to call home.
The campaign is supported by familiar faces with personal connections to adoption, including:
- Prue Leith, The Great British Bake Off judge, adoptive mother and grandmother to two adopted children
- Dilly Carter, adopted person and professional organiser
- Sanam Harrinanan, post-adoption social worker and former Love Island winner
- Charlie Mackesy, illustrator and author of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
This comes as the latest data from England shows a worrying decline in adoption interest, with 12% fewer families coming forward to register compared to last year.
The campaign ‘A Welcome Home’, reminds us that adoption isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating a space where a child feels safe, loved, and truly at home. Watch the campaign film.
Adopters are needed now for children across the country
There’s no perfect time to start a family — but for a child in need of adoption, the perfect time is now.
Just like all parenting, adoption can be challenging. But the rewards of giving a child a loving, stable home are life-changing. For the first time in recent years, the number of children needing adoption has outpaced those coming forward to adopt.
“Every adoption is the story of a life changed for a child.”
There is a need for more adopters to come forward to provide a loving home for a range of children across London, the home counties and beyond. Adopters are most desperately needed for sibling groups, older children, children with additional needs and children from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, especially those with a parent or parent from a Black African and/or Black Caribbean heritage.
- There are currently 2940 children in need of adoptive family in the country
- 1100 children have been awaiting longer than 18 months to find their forever family
Podcasts: Real Stories from Real Families
As part of the 2025 National Adoption Week campaign, a new You Can Adopt podcast episode has been designed to help prospective adopters feel more informed and reassured as they consider adoption. This provides a deeper look into ‘Preparing to Welcome Home an Adopted Child’. It includes myth-busting and tackles key misconceptions such as the idea of the ‘perfect home’ and other perceived practical barriers. https://www.youcanadopt.co.uk/category/podcasts/
A life less ordinary
Sadly, some children wait much longer than others. These children may be slightly older, part of a sibling group, have physical or educational needs, or come from a minoritised ethnic background. They deserve the same chance to thrive in a loving family—but they often face the longest waits. We invite you to hear from adopters who have welcomed children from these groups into their lives, and discover the joy, challenges, and deep rewards of adoption.
Watch the film here“The best thing about adopting for us is that we now have this beautiful, happy, giggling child running around the house.”
The Process
The process is designed to help you explore whether adoption is the right path for you — and for the children waiting. Now, it’s simpler, quicker, and offers more support than ever before. Making an enquiry isn’t a commitment — it’s just a conversation.
You can adopt if you:
- Are single, married, or in a long-term live-in relationship
- Are of any ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, or faith
- Own your home or rent
- Have a disability or are managing health conditions
- Are employed, self-employed, or receiving benefits
- Have children already — or if you have none. Some people adopt more than once.
Many adopters say the journey helped them grow, reflect, and become even better parents. Most find that the assessment process helps them to understand themselves.
“The adoption process is open, thoughtful, supportive and fair.”
A different perspective
For birth mother Anna, choosing adoption for her son was the hardest decision she’s ever made. To her, she will always be his mum. But she also knew that adoption could offer him a life she wasn’t able to provide—a chance to break a cycle of family difficulties and grow up with stability, love, and opportunity. After meeting the adoptive father at his request, Anna found comfort in knowing her son is thriving. He has memories of her, and he is growing up with a strong sense of his heritage and cultural identity. Anna dreams of meeting him again one day, as an adult. Her story is one of courage, love, and hope. Watch this emotive animated short film, created by illustrator and adopter Garry Parsons.
Watch the film here
Families made by adoption
Just like all families, adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes — and every journey is unique. Meet incredible mums and dads made by adoption as they share their honest stories: the good, the tough, the growth, and the love. Hear their stories.
Hear from preferential adopters Vicky and Richee who chose to grow their family through adoption
Watch the film here
Jamie & Tom always knew that they wanted to adopt two children and were matched with brothers
Watch the film hereThe importance of identity and relationships
Modern adoption recognises the importance of helping adopted people stay connected to their past—when it’s safe and supported to do so. While not every adopted person will have mementos from early life, today’s approach to adoption encourages access to meaningful, high-quality information. In some cases, ongoing relationships with birth relatives or family friends can play a vital role in helping adopted people build a strong sense of identity and belonging. Adoption isn’t a line in the sand—it’s part of a person’s lifelong journey. For the person who is adopted, it’s one life, and their story doesn’t begin or end with adoption. Hear from adult adopters as they share their memories and reflections on identity.
Watch the film here
Support for Adopters
It’s natural to worry about practical and financial support. Adoption is a serious decision, but you won’t be alone. An experienced adoption social worker will guide you through what support is available, that can include:
- Training and preparation workshops
- A dedicated social worker
- Practical and financial support
- Peer support from other adopters
- Therapeutic services
- Education support
- Access to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund
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