You don’t need a ‘perfect house’ to adopt

National Adoption Week focussed on dispelling myths and reducing barriers to people considering adoption.

A new survey by You Can Adopt reveals that nearly nine in ten adoptive parents surveyed were worried they needed a 'perfect home' to pass the adoption assessment process. 

However, the reality is far more modest – with just over two fifths (41 per cent) of adoptive parents surveyed living in a house with two bedrooms or less, two thirds (65 per cent) not having a garden and a quarter living in rented accommodation.

Adoption Now, the local authority adoption agency for Tameside is highlighting what their children say is important to them in a home. 

Watch this video here to see how the little things make a huge difference to adopted children.

The local adopted children said what made a home a ‘welcome home’ was things like movie nights with popcorn, playing football in the living room, being nagged to tidy their room and chippy tea nights; highlighting that it’s not how many rooms you have our how big your garden is but the happy memories you can make in them.

Insights from adoption agencies across the country show that the cost-of-living crisis has contributed to a decline in the number of people coming forward to adopt – with new data showing a 12% decline in prospective adopter registrations compared to last year. This means that more children are now facing delays of over 18 months before being matched with a family - an increase compared to the previous year.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, Cllr Teresa Smith said: “It’s fantastic to see such an important campaign launched to challenge misconceptions and inspire more people to consider adoption.

“It’s really heartwarming to hear from children what makes a good home for them – it’s the little comforting things and time doing things together rather than having a big house with all the gadgets. I hope this will help reassure people considering adoption that they can offer what children need.

“If adoption is on your mind—even if you just have questions—please reach out. Taking that first step can truly change lives.”

There are currently over 100 children waiting with the agency to be adopted. 

If you have ever wondered about giving a child a place to call home, you can find out more about adoption in Tameside by visiting www.adoptionnow.org.uk or calling 01204 336096.