Could you adopt? Appeal launched across Devon as more children wait for families

Families across Devon and the wider South West are being asked to think about whether they could provide a child with a safe and loving home.

The appeal comes from Adopt South West as part of National Adoption Week, which runs from October 20 to 26.

This year’s campaign aims to challenge the idea that adopters need to be “perfect” and to encourage more people to come forward, especially those who may have ruled themselves out in the past.

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There are currently 122 children in the region waiting for adoption, including 18 sibling groups.

More boys than girls are waiting, and older children, often those with additional needs or disabilities, and brothers and sisters who need to stay together are the ones who wait the longest.

Amanda White, Head of Service at Adopt South West, said: “Too often, people think they won’t be considered to adopt because they’re not ‘perfect’. Children are looking for the right families who see them, hear them and welcome them into a stable family home.”

Adopt South West says people from all walks of life can apply, single people, couples, homeowners or renters, and people of any religion, culture or sexuality.

The key requirement is being able to provide a stable, caring environment.

Of the children currently waiting, 28 are seeking Early Permanence placements, a process that allows children to move in with potential adopters while final decisions are made, giving them stability as soon as possible.

Liza Barry, an adopter from Plymouth, said her own experience showed that adoption is open to many types of families.

“There are so many amazing children who desperately need safe families and I know there are plenty of people who wish to extend their family,” she said.

“I was a single adopter working full-time when I adopted my oldest and later my youngest daughter. Neither of those things were a barrier.

“As long as you are stable and committed, have physical space and lots of love to give, we want and need to hear from you.”

Cllr Richard Jefferies, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said the need for adopters is increasing.

“We have more children than we have adopters and the gap is growing,” he said.

“Our campaign this year highlights real stories from adoptive families who’ve discovered that the most important ingredient isn’t a spotless home or a textbook parenting style, it’s the willingness to show up, keep going, and offer unconditional love.”