Nottinghamshire residents urged to consider adoption as demand continues

The campaign wants to support people to feel confident that they are capable adopting.

Nottinghamshire County Council is supporting newly-launched nationwide campaign #YouCanAdopt, which aims to dispel myths around who is eligible to adopt and highlight that, especially during the pandemic, there are still children out there who are looking for their new family.

The campaign also aims to target potential parents from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, as these children traditionally wait longer to be matched with a new adoptive family.

It also encourages potential adoptive parents to consider adopting older children, sibling groups and those with complex health needs or a disability.

The adoption process has changed over the years and there is a lot more support available than there used to be. The campaign wants to support people to feel confident that they are capable adopting.

Councillor Philip Owen, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s children and young people’s committee, said: “To help people realise adoption could be something for them, the #YouCanAdopt campaign aims to break down barriers and misconceptions about who is eligible to adopt.

“We’re supporting this campaign to help to promote adoption and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, including single parents, people from all religions, people from the LGBTQ+ and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities to consider adoption.

“Adoption has changed, and the chances are that, if you want to adopt, you can. I’d urge anyone interested in adoption, to take the first step and enquire.”

Adoption East Midlands is a regional adoption agency that delivers local authority adoption services for Nottinghamshire County Council.

In the 2019-20 financial year, Adoption East Midlands placed 129 children in adoptive homes offering lifelong support to those children and families.

Shelagh Mitchell, group manager at Adoption East Midlands, said: “We welcome applicants who can meet the needs of children from diverse backgrounds and we will support your family throughout.”

Call the Adoption East Midlands team 0115 804 4567 or email [email protected].