We urgently need more adopters for the children waiting. Find out if you are ready to adopt. Join an adoption information event.
Information Adopt South West [
]
Summer adoption information events
adoptsouthwest.org.uk [
]
|
adoptsouthwest@devon.gov.uk
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The Journey
We've launched a new campaign,* The Journey [
]*, with You Can Adopt, to inspire more people to take the first step towards growing their family – with a new film showing that like any family ‘road trip’, adoption is a journey full of fun, chaos, challenges and love.
The Journey video screen shot [
]
Click to watch The Journey on YouTube
The rewards of giving a child a loving, stable home are unparalleled, even when the journey shows that the path may not always be smooth.
Adopters from all walks of life are sharing their own journeys as part of the campaign, including adoptive father-of-two *Miles Asteri*, star of the BBC’s The Traitors.
*Miles *described adoption as 'the adventure of a lifetime':
“Adoption has always been a part of my life, as my mother was also adopted, and so we knew it would be the right way to grow our family. Before you adopt it’s natural to have lot of questions or worries. But I don’t think anyone truly feels prepared for the experience of becoming a parent until their child makes them one.
"Like all families with young kids, we’ve had our chaotic moments, but it’s been rewarding like nothing else – watching our daughters grow into the wonderful little people they are is an unparalleled feeling.
"I would urge anyone thinking about adoption to just start that journey – for us, it’s been the adventure of a lifetime.”
Miles and Pip: “Like all families with young kids, we’ve had our chaotic moments, but it’s been rewarding like nothing else.” [
]
For the first time in recent years, there are now more children in need of adoption than those coming forward to adopt. For nearly half of the children (46 per cent) needing adoption, it takes over 18 months to find their forever home.
Many people hold back from starting their adoption journeys because they’re waiting for the ‘perfect’ time or circumstances - but for a child in need of a permanent home, the perfect time is now.
Like any new parents, many prospective adopters worry about their ability to cope - but with adoption, this is a journey you can navigate together, with support available along the way.
From picking up the phone and making that first enquiry, to bringing their child home and experiencing life together as a family and receiving dedicated support throughout, adoption is a life-long journey. The campaign showcases that while there may be bumps in the road, adopting a child in need of a forever home will take you to places you never imagined - once you take that first step.
Find out more about starting your adoption journey with Adopt South West. [
]
To find out more about the campaign and You Can Adopt, visit youcanadopt.co.uk [
]
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Adopt South West
team gazebo with Georgie and Matt supporting adoption, banner with “Transform a child’s life”
Georgie and her family joined us at Exeter Respect Festival and Matt and his family joined us at Plymouth Pride
Heading to Pride?
We'd love you to join us at a community event!
Please come and say hello to our friendly team members at a community event near you. We'll be promoting adoption and celebrating diversity at Truro Pride, Torbay Pride, and Taunton Pride:
* Truro Pride [
] - Saturday 31 August
* Torbay Pride [
] - Saturday 7 September
* Taunton Pride [
] - Saturday 21 September
A huge thank you to Georgie and her family who joined us at Exeter Respect Festival and to Matt and his family who joined us at Plymouth Pride and shared their experience of adoption. We also loved meeting everyone at Respect Festival, Plymouth and Bodmin Pride and had the pleasure to talk with so many families and individuals whose lives have been touched by adoption.
It was heart warming to hear your stories and to celebrate respect, kindness and diversity, and support Pride. If you'd like to get in touch with us and share your story
beyond the event we'd love to learn from your experiences. If you'd like to join us at Pride, please do let us know - we'd love you to share your journey and talk to people about adoption:
Contact our friendly team by emailing adoptsouthwest@devon.gov.uk
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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, 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, especially those currently waiting the longest, please get in touch with our friendly team. We'll support you - contact us. [
]
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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 is a rewarding journey that enriches your life with endless love and joy. You'll experience the profound impact of shaping a child's future. Adopting a child is a lifelong commitment that comes with challenges, and as any parent knows, you'll need plenty of patience and an open mind, 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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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 [
].
* 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 evening 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.*
We recommend checking the website regularly, as availability may change and new dates are added periodically.
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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.
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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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