Page 9 - Testify 15 Oct 2020

15 - 30 October 2020 9
In the midst of a pandemic, adoption is firmly in the

hearts of our communities

Results from a recent survey show that black people have positive and
altruistic views around adoption as a new campaign urges potential
black adopters to come forward

It is widely known in black campaign, an initiative urging At a time when national sta-
communities that informal people who are considering tistics reveal that black and
adoption is part and parcel of adoption to take the next step. mixed-heritage children are
the fabric of our communities; disproportionately represented
we raise and nurture children The drive comes as the survey in the care system, a factor that
that are not our biological reveals that whilst motivations one in six respondents was
children as if they were. Now regarding adoption are over- aware of, the National Adop-
new data from the cross sector whelmingly positive amongst tion Recruitment campaign is
National Adoption Recruitment the black community, there are raising awareness that the key
Steering Group reflects this a number of barriers and mis- attribute for adopting a child
truth, showing that black com- conceptions that deter people is providing a loving, safe and
munities have positive and al- from taking the next step. This stable home and that factors
truistic views around adoption, includes concerns around peo- such as occupation, salary,
with 80% stating that they have ple feeling that their housing is the size of someone’s home,
either adopted, considered or not adequate (35%); finances home ownership or age are not
would consider adopting a child not being in a good enough po- important.
in the future. The data coin- sition (30%) and worries about
cides with the launch of the first their age (20%). The data also revealed that
National Adoption Recruitment there are a number of incorrect

assumptions about the loving home and I urge is knowing that you’ve
type of person who can anyone who is consid- made a constructive
adopt. Contrary to beliefs ering adoption to come change to someone’s life
outlined in the survey, forward and take that and that they have done
those for whom English next step to put a stop the same for you. My
is not their first language, to our children waiting daughter has made my
single people and those longer for an adoptive parents grandparents,
who are not married can family.” my brother an uncle and
adopt. my friends Godparents.
Sinitta, singer and I’m honoured to be her
Bishop Joe Aldred, mum of two, said: “I mum, she is such a
broadcaster and writer, would definitely encour- blessing.”
said: “People think that age others to consider
if you’re in a low income adoption. I always knew “To anyone in the black
job or on benefits, you I wanted children and community considering
cannot adopt, this is not I tried everything from adopting I would say ab-
the case. The National IVF to surrogacy to solutely go for it. There
Adoption Recruitment have them. All of those are children out there
campaign reminds peo- journeys led to heart- who need support and
ple that not only is the break, except adoption. love and you can add so
adoption process quicker The feeling of finally much value and make a
and simpler than it once becoming a mother was difference to their lives.
was but that the chanc- almost indescribable; it’s Your situation - if you
es are, if you’d like to just everything. It was are single, married or
adopt, it’s very likely you everything I wanted and older for example – won’t
can. Over the years we more. I love my children matter, if you can provide
have seen the fulfilling more than anything and a loving and nurturing
challenge of adoption at I always say that love is home, I’d say go for it.”
work in several people, thicker than blood.”
including close family, Further information can
who have benefited Reflecting on her be found at
from being adopted and experience, adopter www.youcanadopt.
some who have adopted. Fran says: “The best co.uk/blackadopters
Every child deserves a thing about adopting