Find out more about adoption this Black History Month

Adoption@Heart is celebrating this year’s Black History Month by urging potential Black adopters to come forward and find out more about adoption.

Data from the National Adoption Recruitment Steering Group highlighted that Black communities have positive and views around adoption, with 80% stating that they have either adopted a child or would consider adopting one in the future.

However, there are several barriers and misconceptions that deter people from taking the next steps. This includes concerns around people feeling that their home is not adequate, their finances are not in a good enough position or they are worried about their age.

At a time when national statistics reveal that Black and mixed heritage children wait the longest for an adoptive family, Adotion@Heart wants to raise awareness that the key requirement for adopting a child is the ability to provide a loving, safe, stable home - and that factors such as occupation, salary and the size of someone’s home, are not important. Further information can be found at youcanadopt.co.uk/blackadopters.

Carol Moses, Adoption@Heart Recruitment and Assessment Team Manager, said: “We know that children from Black communities traditionally wait longer to be matched with a new adoptive family.

“We need to continue to address misunderstandings and outdated views to ensure that nobody is discouraged from taking the first important step towards adopting a child.

“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. To anyone in the Black community who is considering adoption, 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 be able to provide a stable home for a child until adulthood and beyond.

Adoption@Heart is currently holding virtual information events online every fortnight. They are the perfect place for those who are ready to start their adoption journey or would like more information. Details of future events are available at adoptionatheart.org.uk. For further information, call 01902 553818 or email info@adoptionatheart.org.uk.

Adoption@Heart is the Regional Adoption Agency for the Black Country, providing adoption services for City of Wolverhampton Council, Walsall Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Sandwell Children’s Trust.

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