A new survey by You Can Adopt reveals that nearly nine in ten adoptive parents surveyed (86 per cent) were worried they needed a ‘perfect home’ to pass the adoption assessment process.
However, the reality is far more modest – with just over two fifths (41 per cent) of adoptive parents surveyed living in a house with two bedrooms or less, two thirds (65 per cent) not having a garden and a quarter living in rented accommodation (25 per cent).
This National Adoption Week (20–26 October), You Can Adopt and Adoption in Merseyside is tackling the misconceptions around needing a ‘perfect’ home head-on, showing that children who need to be adopted don’t need perfection – they need a ‘loving home’.
Judith Russ, Head of Service for Adoption in Merseyside, said: “Adoption has evolved significantly over the years. To meet the diverse needs of our children, we’re more open and inclusive than ever before. Many people believe they need to be in an ideal situation to adopt, but the truth is, there’s rarely a ‘perfect’ time to begin the journey. Our friendly and experienced team is here to guide and support anyone considering adoption, helping to find the right families for our children every step of the way.”
Tom and Steph had their little boy placed at just seven days old through Early Permanence. This route gives the child as much stability at the earliest possible stage and attachments can form sooner, giving a secure and loving base for that child.
We’ve experienced all our son’s firsts, moments we once thought we might miss,” Steph says. “Parenthood has been life-changing, and the Early Permanence process has been perfect for us. Despite the challenges, the rewards have far outweighed any difficulties.”
Cllr David Lonergan, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Knowsley Council Children’s Services, said: “We’re encouraging anyone who has been thinking about adoption to take the first step and get in contact. Adoption in Merseyside’s brilliant staff constantly strive to find the right match for our children and provide lifelong support to our families.
“The more people we have starting out on their journey to grow their family, the sooner those potential parents and our children can start their family lifetime together.
“I’d urge anyone who has been considering adoption to reach out to Adoption in Merseyside and find out what it might mean for you.”
If you want to find out more information, please visit www.adoptioninmerseyside.co.uk.
Steph and Tom’s adoption journey through Early Permanence
Steph and Tom welcomed their adopted their son when he was just 7 days old.
Steph and Tom always knew they wanted to start a family. When Steph’s medical operation ruled out having birth children, they felt drawn to adoption.
After attending a webinar and researching, they discovered Early Permanence (Fostering for Adoption), a route that allows babies to be placed with prospective adopters while care proceedings continue. This enabled them to bring their son home just seven days after his birth.
Supported throughout by their dedicated social worker, Steph and Tom found the process more straightforward than expected. They completed training to prepare for the challenges and joys of adoptive parenting and embraced the extra responsibilities required during the FAA placement.
The couple also met their son’s birth mother and maintains open communication through a letterbox system, valuing honesty and connection.
“We’ve experienced all our son’s firsts, moments we once thought we might miss,” Steph says. “Parenthood has been life-changing, and the Early Permanence process has been perfect for us. Despite the challenges, the rewards have far outweighed any difficulties.”
Steph and Tom now enjoy watching their little boy grow, grateful for the love that adoption has brought to their family.