65% of people surveyed for National Adoption Week also said that there’s no such thing as a “normal family”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY JOE SHORT
As National Adoption Week (21-27 October) kicks off, a new survey reveals that 65% of Brits believe there’s no such thing as a “normal” family. The survey, commissioned by You Can Adopt, found that nearly half (48%) of Brits say they have a “chosen family” — a network of close friends and loved ones beyond blood ties.
This insight comes as the campaign aims to raise awareness about the evolving nature of family life and the unique journeys of adoptive families. This shift in attitudes reflects a broader acceptance of family diversity, with 42% of respondents identifying as part of a “non-traditional” family structure, such as blended or adoptive families.
This changing perception is crucial, as new adoption data reveals a 22% increase in the number of children with a plan for adoption who are still waiting to be matched with a family. Currently, 780 more children in England are awaiting placement than there are approved adopters. As fewer adopters come forward, due in part to the cost-of-living crisis, many children face prolonged waits, with nearly half waiting more than 18 months to find a permanent home.
Sarah Johal MBE, National Adoption Strategic Lead from Adoption England, emphasises the importance of raising awareness during National Adoption Week. “With the number of children needing adoption increasing and a decline in those coming forward, it’s crucial during National Adoption Week to raise the profile of modern adoption. We hope to show that adoptive families are not alone, they have a community of support around them – from social workers and foster carers to others who have walked the same path.”
“Some are there for the whole journey, others just for one small part, and of course birth families remain an important part of a child’s identity throughout their life. But each of these people plays an important part in the lifelong nature of the adoption journey that makes each family’s experience unique.”
To mark the theme of “The Journey”, a poignant new film has been released, featuring adoptive families aboard a train, reflecting on the ups and downs of their adoption experiences. Rachel, who stars in the film with her two-year-old daughter, shares, “For us, family looks different, but it’s wonderful in its own way. I want my daughter to understand that all families are unique, and that’s OK.”
In support of the campaign, train companies like Southeastern and Avanti are backing National Adoption Week, offering free tickets to adoptive families and promoting the message across their networks.
National Adoption Week, running from October 21 to 27, urges those interested in adopting to learn more by visiting youcanadopt.co.uk/naw.
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