Find out if you are ready to adopt. Join an adoption information event. #YouCanAdopt
Information Adopt South West [
]
Spring adoption information events
adoptsouthwest.org.uk [
]
|
adoptsouthwest@devon.gov.uk
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LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week poster of a LGBTQ parent with their family
Different Together
*LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week 2024 [
] returns on Monday 4 March to Sunday 10 March 2024 and remains the only national campaign to focus on LGBTQ+ people*.
While we want to celebrate our adopters and foster carers every week of the year, this week we are giving particular attention to celebrating LGBTQ+ people who are thinking about fostering or adoption.
This year's theme, ‘Different Together’, calls on more LGBTQ+ people from the global majority to consider adoption and fostering. Looked after children from minoritised ethnic groups can wait the longest for suitable adoption and fostering placements. Throughout the week, LGBTQ+ people from the global majority are sharing their stories and personal clips about their journeys to parenting and caring. Find out more on our website. [
]
*Top facts!* In England, in 2023...
* one in five adoptions were to same-sex couples [
]. With 600 out of 2,960 adoptions being to same-sex couples - this was the highest number on record in England and was also the highest proportion
* there were 83,840 looked-after children [
]. This was an increase from 2022. Three in 10 of these children (29 per cent) are from the global majority
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LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week poster of a LGBTQ parents with their family
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We urgently need more adopters for our children
If you can provide a loving, permanent and secure home for a child, we want to hear from you
We particularly need people to adopt children with disabilities, little boys over four-years-old, and brothers and sisters who are looking for a home to stay together. If you are willing to consider a child with additional health needs, a sibling group of brothers, or a brother and sister group, then we can offer you an Adoption Support Package for your family, and there may also be other appropriate financial allowances. [
]
Are you considering adopting a child under four years old? We offer fostering for adoption [
] to protect these children from experiencing multiple moves within the care system.
Adopting a child can be hard work and very challenging, it is a lifelong commitment and your new child will become part of your forever family. You will need an open mind and plenty of patience, but your ability to care is what matters most.
There are children all over Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay looking for safe and loving homes. We'd love to hear from people [
] across the different communities who can offer children a permanent home.
Adoption is a big decision, but the rewards are immeasurable for everyone. Take a look at some inspiring real life family stories from local people who have already adopted. [
]
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Now is the time to adopt
Could you consider adopting a child with a disability?
All children long for the love and stability of being part of a family, yet children with additional health needs or disabilities wait longer to be adopted. [
]
Amanda White, Interim Head of Adopt South West explains:
"There is ongoing support, from our service, support from other adopters, as well as your own support network. The adoption process is thorough, but it’s not as difficult or onerous as people first think. There’s no doubt that it’s hard work – any parent will tell you that – but it’s so rewarding. Our adopters tell us they find it to be a journey of self-discovery and a time when they learn so much about children who are waiting for a family.
"Now is the time to think again about adoption and be open to adopting beyond your first thoughts about a child's ability, their age, or gender. If you are considering adoption, or adopting a child or children with additional needs, please talk to us about taking the next steps."
If you are interested in adopting any of the children currently waiting the longest, please get in touch with our friendly team. We'll support you - contact us. [
]
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You can adopt
Children who need adoption come from a variety of backgrounds, so we need adopters with a wide range of knowledge, skills, and lifestyles. We are interested in what you have to offer a child who needs adopting rather than your marital status, finances, whether you own a house or already have children.
There are many myths and misconceptions about adoption [
].
* For LGBTQ+ people thinking about fostering or adoption the question absolutely shouldn’t be *“*Will my sexual orientation or gender identity count against me?"* *
* We welcome everyone, regardless of your sexuality or gender identity - this is not a factor in your right to adopt.
* We are open minded to your relationship status, or if you own or rent your home.
* You don’t have to follow any religion and people from all ethnic origins are needed.
* Disability is not a barrier to becoming an adopter and often experience of disability will be positively welcomed.
* Adopters need to be over 21 but there is no upper age limit.
You can adopt. [
]
Try our ‘Ready to adopt?’ checker, below, to learn more about who can adopt and when the time might be right for you.
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Ready to adopt?
Are you considering adopting but feel unsure? Use our ‘Ready to adopt?’ checker [
] to learn more about who can adopt and when the time might be right for you.
Find out if you can adopt now [
]
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Join an adoption information event
Are you considering adoption and want to find out more?
Get your questions answered by a member of our friendly team, from the comfort of your own home, at one of our online information events.
Our adoption information sessions include a short presentation about the adoption process and different options available to you. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from a local adopter about their experience and talk to an adoption social worker to find out more about adoption and the application process.
Join one of our 2024 events today
*If you are thinking about adopting, please book a place on one of our adoption information events. [
]*
Events are available each month, from *5:50pm to 8pm.*
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Malcolm and Shelley [
]
Malcolm and Shelley adopted three children, their youngest has specific health needs
Malcolm and Shelley, who you may remember from our film clip, [
] are parents to brothers Kieron and Tyler (who they adopted aged four and five), and Courtney, who they adopted aged three:
“When we adopted siblings, we always say it brought twice the fun into our lives. They need each other and love each other, and we wouldn’t have wanted to split them up.
“Then when we adopted Courtney a few years later, it definitely got a bit noisier in our house! We are so honoured to be able to look after our daughter, who has additional physical needs, and see how she has gone above and beyond what might have been expected of her.
“For anybody adopting a child with special needs, there’s absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t lead a fulfilling and wonderful life. You’re giving them a future they might otherwise not have had. It can be challenging, but we just get on with it and adapt as a family!”
Read more stories like Malcolm and Shelley's on our website. [
]
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Ask us a question
We are interested in hearing about what you have to offer a child or children [
] and would love to speak to you. Talk to our friendly team and find out more about adoption.
If you would like a member of the Adopt South West team to call you back or respond by email, then get in touch with us by emailing adoptsouthwest@devon.gov.uk.
If you'd prefer to call us, our number is 0345 155 1076 [ tel:03451551076 ] and our office hours are 9am to 1pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Thank you for showing an interest in adoption
If these adoption-related emails are no longer appropriate or relevant to you, just update your subscriber preferences or delete your account using the links below.
You Can Adopt with Adopt South West [
]
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Contact us
Room 255, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 4QD
adoptsouthwest@devon.gov.uk
Call 0345 155 1076
adoptsouthwest.org.uk [
]
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