Enquiries from would-be adopters soar during lockdown

Enquiries from would-be adopters soar during lockdown

Covid 19 is having a massive impact on all our lives.

Here at Adoption@Heart, we are following the Government’s guidance and are quickly adapting the way we provide our services to ensure that those interested in becoming adoptive parents and special guardians are still able to proceed, and that our support services can continue.

Adoption@Heart has seen a significant rise in the number of enquiries from people wanting to find out more about adopting a child during the coronavirus pandemic.

Since lockdown began in March, more than 160 people have come forward to express their interest in adoption – and the enquiries keep coming in every day.

Mark Tobin, Service Head at Adoption@Heart, believes the increase in numbers could be due to people re-evaluating their priorities as a result of the challenging situation we are living in.

Mark said: “We have certainly been very pleased and encouraged by the number of enquiries we have received during lockdown, particularly as we expected a drop in numbers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Many people are living with considerable uncertainty at present, however it is really encouraging to see that more and more people are considering taking the first steps in their adoption journey.”

Despite the challenges social workers are facing, adopter recruitment is continuing. All aspects of Adoption@Heart’s recruitment processes have been transferred on to virtual systems and innovative ways of working. Adoption@Heart expect this to remain the case for some time.

Mark added: “We are pleased that we have been able to move our adopter information events online and this appears to be working extremely well.

“Our virtual events are perfect for those who are wanting to find out more information about adoption or feel ready to start their adoption journey.

“Adopters come from all walks of life and all applications are welcome and will be treated equally.

“Being an adoptive parent can be challenging but it also brings great rewards. If you’re interested in finding out more, please contact Adoption@Heart today.”

Anyone can adopt, whether they are single, living together, married, a same sex couple, in employment or not working, or already have children or not. Potential adopters must legally be a UK resident and have been so for at least 12 months, as well as being aged 21 or over.

They should ideally have a spare bedroom and be able to provide a stable home for a child until adulthood and beyond.

Virtual information events are held every two weeks and are the perfect opportunity for prospective adopters to find out more and have your questions answered.

Adoption@Heart is the Regional Adoption Agency for the Black Country. For information, please visit www.adoptionatheart.org.uk, call 0800 073 0597 or email info@adoptionatheart.org.uk.

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