You can adopt: Call for adopters from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds

You can adopt

A report published by the government shows that the North West has more children awaiting adoptive families than there are adopters.

In every region there are more children than approved adopters with a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background. Children with a BAME background and part of a sibling group wait to be placed, on average, 23 months - that's 2 months more than children with a white background. Children with an Asian Pakistani background wait on average 47 months to be placed with adoptive parents*.

North West adoption agency, Adoption Now, which is made up of staff from Rochdale, Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton, Bury, Oldham and Tameside councils, are keen to recruit BAME adopters from Rochdale and are asking those interested in adoption to contact them to find out more about adopting local children who are awaiting safe, loving homes.

Karen Barrick, head of service at Adoption Now, states: “Adoption transforms the lives of those it touches and we have a number of BAME children awaiting adoption. We’re asking anyone who has ever thought about adoption to talk to us as we are open as usual, offering support and advice about becoming an adopter, the process, and the support we provide. Whether you’re married, single, gay or heterosexual, don’t rule yourself out, if you think you might be able to give a child or children a loving home, please get in touch.”

In addition to children waiting for adoption coming from a variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds, there are also sibling groups, some children which have additional emotional or health needs, and those who are a bit older, that Adoption Now is working to find forever homes for.

Adoption Now is looking for adopters for around 90 children in their care but specifically for those who are willing to consider children with a BAME background who wait longer, regardless of whether they have a disability or are waiting to be placed as part of a sibling group.

Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Children who come to adoption do so because their birth families are unable to care for them. Many of them have experienced difficult starts in life. All of these children need a loving, stable home. They need support and love to help them overcome their troubled backgrounds, make sense of who they are and grow up to be safe and secure. Being an adoptive parent can be challenging but it also brings great rewards. If you’re interested in finding out more, please contact Adoption Now today”.

For more information about adoption in Rochdale contact Adoption Now on 01204 336096 or visit adoptionnow.org.uk where you can complete an online enquiry form.

*Source: Adoption and Special Guardian Leadership Board