National adoption drive launches amid rise in number of children needing a forever home

Adoption experts have described an ‘unprecedented’ decline in adoption rates - for the first time in recent years, there are now more children in need of adoption than those coming forward to adopt.

With the cost of living hitting families, experts warn that prospective adopters may be holding back waiting for the ‘perfect time’ or circumstances. But for a child needing a permanent home, the perfect time is now.

This comes as a new survey reveals that six in ten (57 per cent) parents said they ‘never felt truly prepared’ to be a parent, and 72 per cent said there is no such thing as a ‘perfect time’ to start a family. However, 83 per cent now consider it the most rewarding experience of their life.

Adoption Tees Valley are supporting You Can Adopt’s new campaign, The Journey, to inspire more people to take the first step towards growing their family – with a new film showing that like any family ‘road trip’, adoption is a journey full of challenges, chaos, conversation, and love.

You can watch the campaign film below.