Focusing the spotlight on adoption this National Adoption Week

Young people in Buckinghamshire who have been adopted have been sharing their thoughts about their experiences as part of a bid to raise awareness of adoption and to encourage those who may be thinking of adopting to take the first step.

National Adoption Week 2023 takes place from 16 to 22 October. At any one time there are several children of all ages and backgrounds waiting to be adopted in Buckinghamshire.

Buckinghamshire Council’s adoption team works hard to match children with the right adopters. In addition to finding out more about those wanting to adopt, the process also involves listening to the children and young people and making sure their thoughts and opinions are considered.

Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education explained:

“Choosing to adopt is a big decision and we want to be confident that the children we are placing are going to a permanent home that is right for them. In addition to considering their background and needs, it is important that we listen to the young people themselves and work with families to find the best match for everyone.

“If you are considering adoption, please get in touch with our team. We have a lot of information on our website and our adoption team can talk through any questions you may have from the outset.”

One Buckinghamshire adoptee, Tigerlily, recently spoke about her experience of adoption:

“I was fostered from birth – my foster parents were from Jamaica and loved me to bits and I'm still in contact with them today. At 13 months, I was adopted by a mixed-race couple – I have a black mother and a white father.

“It’s better to be adopted by a family from the same culture as yourself. However, I have seen adopters who are not from the same culture get it right. Adopters can empathise and give children access to their own culture.”

For more information on adoption visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/adoption