National week highlights how adoption changes lives

A national week of action is shining a spotlight on adoption through the generations in a bid to highlight how it has changed and in turn how it can change the lives of children in Tameside.

National Adoption Week (16^th – 22^nd October), backed by Northwest Regional Adoption Agency, Adoption Now, is celebrating the life stories of different generations of adopted people to encourage potential adopters to come forward to change the lives of children who are still waiting for their forever home.

The campaign showcases a powerful set of portraits captured by royal, fashion and portrait photographer Philip Sinden - who was adopted himself in the 1970s. The portraits show striking imagery of eight different people who were adopted between the 1960s-2010s.  Each individual portrait features a backdrop of emotive and poignant words that bring to life how adoption has shaped, and continues to shape, their life and highlights how adoption has changed over the years. The portraits have been released alongside a new short film captured during the photoshoot and hears firsthand the group’s different experiences – challenging misconceptions about what adoption looks like today.

Through these powerful stories of adopted people across age groups, the week aims to highlight the positive impact adoption has had on the individuals’ lives, and the strides made in the sector to put children and their sense of identity at the heart of the adoption journey. Whilst recognising the challenges they have faced along the way, the new campaign brings to life the transformational power of a permanent family home. There is still a huge need for more people to come forward to adopt, with a 23% decline in the proportion of children leaving care via adoption over the last five years - last year (2022), 2,950 children left care via adoption, 900 less than in 2018. 

Katrina Williams, Deputy Manager at Adoption Now, said: “Adoption has really changed over the years from being secretive and hidden to being an open and supportive way of finding forever families for children who really need them. We understand the importance of helping children form a positive sense of identity by providing them with information about their pasts and the chance to maintain connections with their birth family in a safe and supportive way. I am excited about the future of adoption and urge anybody who can, to join us on our journey to do all we can to help our children live the lives they deserve and to reach their full potential.”

The latest data shows in 2022/2023, there were 2110 children waiting to be adopted from care. The majority of children waiting for adoption (60%) come from specific groups repeatedly facing the longest delays in finding a home. These groups include children aged five or over, children with additional and/or complex needs, brother and sister groups, and those from an Ethnic Minority background (excludes White minorities). Compared to children without these characteristics, children from these groups wait an average of 7 months longer than other children.

Cllr Bill Fairfoull, Tameside Council Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “Children in Tameside are still waiting to be adopted. They need families who can provide them with safe, loving homes, as well as people who can help them to understand their life stories, to find their individual identities and support them as they forge their own paths through life. If you could change the life of a child or children through adoption, I urge you to get in touch with Adoption Now and find out more because we and our children really need you!”

For more about adoption in Tameside visit www.adoptionnow.org.uk or contact Adoption Now on 01204 336096.

To find out more about the National Adoption Week campaign or to seek information or support, visit www.youcanadopt.co.uk/NAW2023