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Charity works to “myth-bust” to boost adoption

One of the UK’s most successful children’s charities is highlighting the top myths around adoption in a bid to encourage more people in West Yorkshire to consider becoming adoptive parents.

“Our own research shows that there are many people who discuss adoption at some point in their lives but don’t take things any further because of mistaken assumptions around their age, married status or financial circumstances,” said Norman Goodwin of Adoption Matters, a member of Yorkshire’s adoption recruitment consortium, ‘Being Family’.

“These are the people we want to reach out to. We’re potentially losing some fantastic adopters from West Yorkshire who could be providing forever families to more of the children who are praying to be part of one. We want to put that right.”

Myths that deter many people from taking the first steps on their adoption journey are that adopters need to be married, be in full time employment and own their own home.

“Great adopters come from all backgrounds, walks of life, ages, financial circumstances and beliefs,” said Norman, Adoption Matters’ CEO.

Other misconceptions include the belief that there’s an upper age limit to becoming an adoptive parent, that gay people can’t adopt and the adoption process can take years.

In fact the process, which is necessarily thorough, can often be completed for most applicants within the Government-recommended timescales of six months.

Norman continued: “There are still people out there who believe that they can’t become adopters if they have children of their own. That’s another myth we want to dispel, along with the misconception that you can’t be an adopter if you’re divorced.

“The ability to become a successful adopter doesn’t depend on beliefs, careers and circumstances. What’s needed is patience, commitment and the willingness to help a young person build a secure and fulfilled future.”

Adoption Matters last year placed 64 children with new, permanent homes, putting it in the top five voluntary adoption agencies in the country.

Adoption Matters has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for its last three consecutive inspections and was named Voluntary Adoption Agency of the Year by BAAF in 2012 and 2014.

For further details about Adoption Matters and the Centre for Adoption Support visit www.adoptionmatters.org or call 0300 123 1066.

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