Singer-songwriter Sinitta and broadcaster Bishop Joe Aldred have lent their names to the first National Adoption Recruitment Campaign, which is dispelling myths around adoption and encouraging people thinking of extending their family to step forward.
The new initiative is urging potential Black adopters to take the next step after data confirms our “positive and altruistic views around adoption”.
The statistics from the cross-sector National Adoption Recruitment Steering Group show that 80% (195) of Black adults surveyed in the UK have either adopted a child, already considered doing so or would consider it in the future.
The survey canvassed 244 adults between July and September this year.
After years of struggling to have children naturally, mum-of-two Sinitta adopted Magdelena and Zac.
“I would definitely encourage others to consider adoption. I always knew I wanted children and I tried everything from IVF to surrogacy to have them.”
The 51-year-old said: “I would definitely encourage others to consider adoption. I always knew I wanted children and I tried everything from IVF to surrogacy to have them. All of those journeys led to heartbreak, except adoption.
“The feeling of finally becoming a mother was almost indescribable. It was everything I wanted and more. I love my children more than anything and I always say that love is thicker than blood.”
Informal adoption is known to be part of the fabric of Black communities with families often raising youngsters who aren’t their biological children, so the data, released during National Adoption Week (12-18 October), reflects this beautiful truth. However, there are still a number of barriers and misconceptions that deter people from taking the next step. This includes concerns about people feeling their house isn’t adequate (35%), finances not being in a good enough position to adopt (30%) and being worried about their age (20%).
…there are a number of incorrect assumptions about the type of person who can adopt.
At a time when national statistics reveal Black and mixed-raced children are disproportionately represented in the care system – a factor that one in six respondents was aware of – the National Adoption Recruitment campaign is raising awareness that the key attribute for adopting a child is providing a loving, safe and stable home.
Factors such as occupation, salary, the size of someone’s home, home ownership or age aren’t important, the campaign highlights.
The data also revealed there are a number of incorrect assumptions about the type of person who can adopt. Contrary to beliefs outlined in the survey, singletons and people who aren’t married as well as those for whom English isn’t their first language, can still adopt.
“Every child deserves a loving home and I urge anyone who is considering adoption to come forward…”
“Over the years we’ve seen the fulfilling challenge of adoption at work in several people, including close family, who have benefited from being adopted and some who have adopted. Every child deserves a loving home and I urge anyone who is considering adoption to come forward and take that next step to put a stop to our children waiting longer for an adoptive family,” Bishop Joe Aldred added.
“The National Adoption Recruitment campaign reminds people that not only is the adoption process quicker and simpler than it once was, but that the chances are if you’d like to adopt, it’s very likely you can.”
For more information, visit youcanadopt.co.uk/blackadopters.
