Adopt South backs campaign to dispel adoption myths and highlight need for more adopters

Regional adoption agency Adopt South is joining celebrities – singer Sinitta, TOWIE’s Harry Derbidge and presenter Annie Price – in backing a nationwide campaign to dispel the myths around adoption and to highlight the need for more adopters; especially those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.
Ad Feature by Adopt South
Published 6th Oct 2020, 12:56 BST
Carrie and David GrantCarrie and David Grant
Carrie and David Grant

#YouCanAdopt, launched by the Department for Education, is being supported locally by Adopt South in Southampton.

Central to the new campaign is the release of a new, emotive film #YouCanAdopt Heroes featuring celebrities, including TV vocal coaches Carrie and David Grant (pictured right), and other families talking about adoption.

Alongside this is a podcast series featuring other well-known personalities, including Anna Richardson, talking to families about the adoption process and the journey they took to adopt their children.

In the film, which can be viewed on Adopt South’s YouTube channel, adoptive families each recite a line from a poem specially written by comedian, writer and adoptee Joy Carter, which brings to life the stories of each of the families with all the highs, lows and realities of adoption and being a family.

Rachel Reynolds, Head of Adopt South, said: ‘Last year we placed 118 children with families. Right now we have 39 children who are waiting to find their new families in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.

‘Our children are babies, toddlers, brothers and sisters. These children need lots of love and stability throughout their lives, and especially our older children who wait the longest and the toddlers with complex health needs.’

National research from the Department of Education confirms that over 30 per cent of people believe their lifestyle prevents them from adopting and six in 10 feel they are not confident in their understanding of the adoption process.

Rachel explained: ‘Whether you are single, a couple, LGBT+, rent your home or have a shared ownership home, have a disability or have children already, those circumstances are no barrier to adopting. I would urge you to contact us to find out more on 0300 300 0011.’

Single father Brian adopted a child over five years ago. He said: ‘The joy in watching my child develop and meet every milestone are memories that I will hold for ever. The support and guidance provided has put the child’s development, behaviour and needs at the forefront of why we need adopters.’

With help from Adopt South, Mark and Sandra adopted a son and Mark also provides mentoring to applicants going through Stage 1 of the adoption process. He commented: ‘The adoption process takes around six months and is necessarily thorough. It has been worth every effort though and we’ve become a very happy family.

‘We have been grateful for the support and guidance we’ve had, as parents, from Adopt South.’

Adopt South will be releasing more stories and podcasts over the next couple of weeks on their social media channels including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Visit adoptsouth.org.uk to find out more or book a call with one of the team or an adopter for an informal chat.