We’re proud to be supporting National Adoption Week this week alongside One Adoption South Yorkshire, the regional adoption agency for South Yorkshire councils. This year’s campaign hopes to increase understanding of modern adoption and the diversity of adoption journeys today, as well as show that the journey to a family is not always a traditional one.

The campaign will show prospective adopters that they are not alone, by highlighting the ‘village’ that makes every journey unique - from social workers and foster carers to birth families and grandparents – who help support and navigate the journey along the way. 

In South Yorkshire there are currently 63 children waiting for their forever home and more than half are part of a group of brothers and sisters.

Cllr Trevor Cave, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, said: "National Adoption Week is an opportunity for us to highlight the importance of adoption and the incredible impact it has on the lives of children and families. We’re committed to supporting adoptive families, making sure that every child finds a loving and supportive home, and we’re proud to be supporting National Adoption Week alongside One Adoption South Yorkshire. Our joined-up approach helps us to support more people on their adoption journey, better develop our services, and share good practice across the region.”

Helen Mangham, Interim Head of Agency at One Adoption South Yorkshire said: “We are proud to be supporting this year’s National Adoption Week which is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and raise the profile of adoption across the country. Adoption is a life-changing journey that enriches not only the lives of children but also the families who welcome them.

“Every adoption story is different, shaped by the people who make it possible. We are always keen to hear from people who could offer a child or brothers and sisters a loving home. If you think adoption could be right for you, take the first step on your journey and get in touch with our team today.”

Sarah Johal MBE, National Adoption Strategic Lead from Adoption England, said: 
“With the number of children needing adoption increasing and a decline in those coming forward, it’s crucial during National Adoption Week to raise the profile of modern adoption. We hope to show that adoptive families are not alone, they have a community of support around them – from social workers and foster carers to others who have walked the same path. Some are there for the whole journey, others just for one small part, and of course birth families remain an important part of a child’s identity throughout their life. But each of these people plays an important part in the lifelong nature of the adoption journey that makes each family’s experience unique.”

To mark the theme of ‘The Journey’ a new short film, set onboard a train, follows the stories of three adoptive families on their travels, reflecting on the ups, downs and detours of their lifelong journey.

Rachel, who features in the film alongside her two-year-old adopted daughter Winnie, father Daniel and social worker Becky, said: “You have an idea in your head of what family looks like, and for us it’s been different, but even more wonderful in different ways. For me, it’s really important that Winnie has a sense of herself and her identity – that she understands that not only do all families look different, but she has more than one family, and that’s OK.”

To find out more about adoption or starting your adoption journey with One Adoption South Yorkshire, visit National Adoption Week 2024 - The Journey | One Adoption

One Adoption South Yorkshire will be at Meadowhall Shopping Centre on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October to answer your questions. The team will also be holding an online adoption information event on Thursday 7 November between 6pm to 7pm, where the adoption team and an adoptive parent will be on hand to answer your questions. For more information and to book your place, please visit https://www.oneadoption.co.uk/information-events

To find out more about adopting with One Adoption South Yorkshire visit: https://www.oneadoption.co.uk/ or call 0345 305 2576.