When life makes them feel like they don’t belong, together, we can show them they do.
Adopting is one of the most life-transforming and incredible experiences that can happen to a child, and to you and your family. It’s a chance to make a lasting difference in a child’s life and give them a loving and stable home where they truly feel like they belong.
We believe in the potential of children, regardless of their circumstances, and that they all deserve a loving family. We find loving homes for all children but at the moment we’re especially keen on people who can open their heart and home to
- brothers and sisters
- children with a physical or learning disability
- black and minoritised ethnic children
- older children.
Brothers and sisters
For many children in care, their brother or sister has been the only constant presence in their lives. We’d love them to have the chance to grow up together. If you’re considering adoption, welcoming siblings might seem an even bigger step to take, but you could give these children an amazing opportunity to grow up in a family with their brother or sister by their side. Find out more about adopting siblings.
Children with physical and/or learning disabilities
Some children waiting for adoption have mild or severe disabilities, or special educational needs. We are looking for adopters who want to help meet the needs of these children so they can reach their full potential. We’ll support you every step of the way.
Black and minoritised ethnic children
Children from Black and minoritised ethnic backgrounds are less likely to be adopted than white children (Gov.org.uk, 2023). If you are from a Black or minoritised ethnic background, we would love you to consider adopting through us. However, you don’t need to be from the same background as a child who needs adoption, if you’re prepared to actively support their racial and cultural identity you could give them a home where they can thrive.
Older children
It’s not just babies or toddlers who need loving homes. Older children, aged four and over, and teenagers also need forever homes and often wait longer for adoption. By choosing to adopt an older child or a teenager, you could offer them the life that they deserve.
How we’ll support you
We listen and respond to the needs of our adopters, which is why we offer a comprehensive preparation, training and support adoption programme, including access to support groups, adopter forums and adoptive family social events.
“It felt like two families coming together”
Lindsey and her husband Phil didn’t set out to adopt two children at once, or to adopt an older child, but when they attended an activity day they met and fell for two sisters who would become their daughters.
How can you tell when you’re ready to adopt?
We talked to parents who’ve adopted and experts from Barnardo’s and asked them for their advice on how you can tell when it’s the right time to adopt.
