Can you offer a child a forever loving home?

Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool are backing You Can Adopt's new campaign, The Journey, which aims to inspire more people to take the first step towards growing their family.

For the first time in recent years, there are now nationally more children in need of adoption than potential parents coming forward to adopt.

In Lancashire, 35 children are waiting to be matched with a permanent loving home. More than one in three children currently waiting with Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool for a forever home are in sibling groups (38%) – so possible adopters could create a bigger family.

You Can Adopt have shared a new film, The Journey, showing that, like any family ‘road trip’, adoption is a journey full of challenges, chaos, conversation, and love:

Dale* who adopted siblings through Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool, said: "The day we were approved as adopters was one of the best days of our lives.

"We really wanted to adopt siblings as we think the relationship they have with each other is so important and we really wanted to nurture that. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait too long before our social worker approached us with information about a little girl and a boy, who would later become our children.

"Being parents to two children is definitely challenging, but it is so rewarding. Adopting two children is almost like adopting a ready-made family with its own traditions, ways of doing things, and memories that you need to learn to merge with your existing family to make a whole new family, respecting what has happened in the past and creating a new future together.

"With a sibling group, there can be double the worry and double the stress, but there is definitely double the love, double the rewards, and double the wonder and amazement at watching your children grow and develop. It’s fair to say that our household will never be the same again in all the best ways and is now full of so much fun and laughter."

Louise Anderson, chair of Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool, said: "We have been living in uncertain times and potential adopters may be holding back from starting their adoption journey, or from continuing with the process.

"We would urge you to take the leap of faith now, as there are children waiting who quickly  need to find a home within families that can love and care for them.  

"Like any new parents, many prospective adopters worry about their ability to cope - but with adoption, this is a journey you can navigate together with others. You will meet experienced adopters who are there to support, and our continued support will be available along the way."

Councillor Cosima Towneley, cabinet member for Children and Families said: "There is no ‘perfect’ time to start your adoption journey, and it does not happen overnight.

"Anyone who would love to adopt but has concerns about whether they can take on the costs of expanding their family is encouraged to talk to our adoption team.

"We offer support in many ways and The Journey to being united with a child in need of a forever home will take you to places you never imagined – all we need is for you to take that first step.

"Giving a child your love and the stability of a permanent home will make all the difference to their future. It is one of our priorities to secure, and support, loving, stable and supportive families who opt to adopt.

"We are hopeful that someone very special is out there for the Lancashire children looking for new families.  We just need you to come forward."

Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool is seeking adoptive parents from all walks of life, and welcome applications from people of all ages, single, married, cohabiting, in same-sex relationships, with or without their own children, working or not. Anyone who is thinking of adoption can find out more by booking a place at an information event, which are held regularly across the county.

Councillor Jim Hobson, Blackpool Council's cabinet member for Children’s Social Care, said: “It is an unbelievably rewarding and life-changing moment to adopt a child.

"You can talk to our friendly team on the phone and we also hold regular information events across the county where you can find out more about adopting with us and ask any questions you may have.

"While it might not always be easy, Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool offer help and support throughout the whole adoption process making the journey as straightforward as possible."

Find out more at adoptionlancashireblackpool.org.uk or by calling 0300 123 6727.

*Names and images have been changed to protect the children's identities.